Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,258 in Illinois versus $824 in Wyoming. Overall, Wyoming runs roughly 34% cheaper on rent than Illinois, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $90,109 in Illinois and $77,176 in Wyoming — about 14% higher in Illinois. Illinois has a top state income tax rate of 4.95% and a 6.25% state sales tax; Wyoming has no state income tax and a 4% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.25%
4%
+2.3 pp in Illinois
Income Tax (top rate)
4.95%
None
+5.0 pp in Illinois
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,258
$824
+34% in Illinois
Median Home Value
$315,200
$311,200
+1% in Illinois
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$90,109
$77,176
+14% in Illinois
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
49.9°F
46.5°F
+3.4°F in Illinois
Illinois vs Wyoming — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or Wyoming?
- Wyoming is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $824 runs about 34% 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 Wyoming?
- 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 $33,000 in Wyoming.
- Which has lower taxes, Illinois or Wyoming?
- Illinois has a top state income tax rate of 4.95% and a 6.25% state sales tax. Wyoming has no state income tax and a 4% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/1 cities we track in Illinois/Wyoming — 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.