Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,258 in Illinois versus $1,195 in Virginia. Overall, Virginia runs roughly 5% cheaper on rent than Illinois, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $90,109 in Illinois and $64,017 in Virginia — about 29% higher in Illinois. Illinois has a top state income tax rate of 4.95% and a 6.25% state sales tax; Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 5.75% and a 5.3% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.25%
5.3%
+1.0 pp in Illinois
Income Tax (top rate)
4.95%
5.75%
+0.8 pp in Virginia
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,258
$1,195
+5% in Illinois
Median Home Value
$315,200
$328,100
+4% in Virginia
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$90,109
$64,017
+29% in Illinois
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
49.9°F
59.9°F
+10.0°F in Virginia
Illinois vs Virginia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or Virginia?
- Virginia is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,195 runs about 5% below Illinois's $1,258, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Illinois than in Virginia?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $50,000 a year in Illinois versus $48,000 in Virginia.
- Which has lower taxes, Illinois or Virginia?
- Illinois has a top state income tax rate of 4.95% and a 6.25% state sales tax. Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 5.75% and a 5.3% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Illinois/Virginia — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.