Illinois vs Washington
Side-by-side cost of living comparison.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.25%
6.5%
+0.3 pp in Washington
Income Tax (top rate)
4.95%
None
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
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.