Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,258 in Illinois versus $1,858 in Washington. Overall, Illinois runs roughly 32% cheaper on rent than Washington, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $75,134 in Illinois and $121,984 in Washington — about 38% higher in Washington. Illinois has a top state income tax rate of 4.95% and a 6.25% state sales tax; Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.25%
6.5%
+0.3 pp in Washington
Income Tax (top rate)
4.95%
None
+5.0 pp in Illinois
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,258
$1,858
+48% in Washington
Median Home Value
$315,200
$912,100
+189% in Washington
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$75,134
$121,984
+62% in Washington
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
52.7°F
53.5°F
+0.8°F in Washington
Illinois vs Washington — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or Washington?
- Illinois is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,258 runs about 32% below Washington's $1,858, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Illinois than in Washington?
- 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 $74,000 in Washington.
- Which has lower taxes, Illinois or Washington?
- Illinois has a top state income tax rate of 4.95% and a 6.25% state sales tax. Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Illinois/Washington — 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.