Quick answer
Illinois has lower average 1BR rent ($1,850/mo vs $2,097/mo). State income tax: Illinois (4.95%) vs California (Up to 13.3%) — on a $120K salary that's $10,020/year difference.
State Comparison · 2026
California vs Illinois
Side-by-side on state income tax, rent, home prices, climate, and top metros — with specific dollar numbers for every claim.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
California vs Illinois at a Glance
| Metric | California | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $2,097 | $1,850 ✓ |
| Avg median home price | $764K | $340K ✓ |
| Cheapest city | Fresno ($1,400) ✓ | Chicago ($1,850) |
| Priciest city | San Francisco ($2,800) | Chicago ($1,850) |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | 4.95% ✓ |
| Avg walkability | 66/100 | 78/100 ✓ |
| Cities tracked | 7 | 1 |
✓ marks the lower or more favorable value. Averages use the major metros we track in each state.
State Income Tax: Real Savings
What the rate gap actually looks like in your paycheck. Lower rate: Illinois (4.95%).
Salary $80K
$6,680
/year saved in Illinois
Salary $120K
$10,020
/year saved in Illinois
Salary $200K
$16,700
/year saved in Illinois
Calculation uses the effective state rate difference × gross salary. Doesn't include property tax, sales tax, or federal impact.
Deep Dive: Each State
California (CA)
Tax reality
California has the highest state income tax in the US — 9.3% on earners around $100K and 13.3% on income over $1M. Combined with federal tax, a $200K W-2 earner keeps roughly $130K. The good news: no tax on Roth withdrawals in retirement and Prop 13 caps property-tax assessment increases at 2% annually for existing homeowners.
Top cities (7 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Housing is the single biggest trade-off. Bay Area median home prices run $1.1-1.7M, LA median is $980K, San Diego $900K. Even on $250K household income, buying a median home requires either 10 years of saving or help with the down payment.
- ✕State income tax is the highest in the US. A $150K earner pays roughly 9.3% effective state tax (~$14,000/year). Combined with federal + FICA, total effective tax hits 35-38% of gross.
- ✕Wildfire smoke is now an annual event. Summer/fall months regularly see AQI 150-300 for days at a time, especially in Sacramento, Bay Area, and southern CA mountain-adjacent areas. Indoor air filtration is basically required.
Illinois (IL)
Tax reality
Illinois has a flat 4.95% state income tax (moderate) — but property taxes are among the highest in the US, averaging 2.1% effective. On a $350K Chicago home that's $7,400/year. Combined tax burden is higher than it looks. The state's pension underfunding creates long-term fiscal risk for homeowners.
Top cities (1 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Property tax is brutal — Cook County averages 2.3% effective. On a $500K home, that's $11,500/year. Homeowners feel this every month.
- ✕Chicago winters are genuinely cold. Lake-effect snow, mid-December through March subzero streaks, and winds off Lake Michigan can make it feel -20°F. This is the biggest filter for people considering moving here.
- ✕The state fiscal situation (pension debt, budget pressures) drives ongoing policy uncertainty — property tax, sales tax, and various fees continue to drift upward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California or Illinois cheaper to live in?
Illinois has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $1,850/mo vs $2,097/mo in California, a $247/mo difference. Home prices: Illinois median is $340K vs $764K.
California vs Illinois: which has lower state income tax?
Illinois has lower state income tax (4.95%) vs Up to 13.3% in California. On an $80K salary that's $6,680/year in savings. On $200K, savings grow to $16,700/year.
Should I move from California to Illinois?
California has the highest state income tax in the US — 9.3% on earners around $100K and 13.3% on income over $1M. Combined with federal tax, a $200K W-2 earner keeps roughly $130K. The good news: no tax on Roth withdrawals in retirement and Prop 13 caps property-tax assessment increases at 2% annually for existing homeowners.
What are the best cities in California vs Illinois?
California's largest metros include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego. Illinois's largest metros include Chicago. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a California suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.