Quick answer
Florida has lower average 1BR rent ($1,616/mo vs $1,850/mo). State income tax: Florida (None) vs Illinois (4.95%) — on a $120K salary that's $5,940/year difference.
State Comparison · 2026
Florida 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
Florida vs Illinois at a Glance
| Metric | Florida | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $1,616 ✓ | $1,850 |
| Avg median home price | $416K | $340K ✓ |
| Cheapest city | Pensacola ($1,100) ✓ | Chicago ($1,850) |
| Priciest city | Fort Lauderdale ($2,250) | Chicago ($1,850) |
| State income tax | None ✓ | 4.95% |
| Avg walkability | 49/100 | 78/100 ✓ |
| Cities tracked | 9 | 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: Florida (None).
Salary $80K
$3,960
/year saved in Florida
Salary $120K
$5,940
/year saved in Florida
Salary $200K
$9,900
/year saved in Florida
Calculation uses the effective state rate difference × gross salary. Doesn't include property tax, sales tax, or federal impact.
Deep Dive: Each State
Florida (FL)
Tax reality
Florida has no state income tax and no estate tax — attractive to high earners and retirees. The math breaks down on insurance: Florida homeowners insurance averages $5,500-$11,000/year (highest in the US), and private insurers have pulled out, leaving Citizens Insurance as the insurer of last resort for many.
Top cities (9 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Hurricane risk is increasing. Ian (2022) caused $100B+ damage; every summer now has 3-5 named storms affecting parts of the state. Coastal homes in Ft Myers, Tampa, and the Keys face the highest risk.
- ✕Homeowners insurance is the highest in the US — Florida averages $5,500/year and coastal counties often hit $10,000-$15,000/year. Premiums increased 50-80% between 2020-2024.
- ✕Summer humidity is oppressive from May through October. 90°F + 80% humidity is the default — you acclimate but the heat index regularly hits 105°F.
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 Florida or Illinois cheaper to live in?
Florida has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $1,616/mo vs $1,850/mo in Illinois, a $234/mo difference. Home prices: Illinois median is $340K vs $416K.
Florida vs Illinois: which has lower state income tax?
Florida has lower state income tax (None) vs 4.95% in Illinois. On an $80K salary that's $3,960/year in savings. On $200K, savings grow to $9,900/year.
Should I move from Florida to Illinois?
Florida has no state income tax and no estate tax — attractive to high earners and retirees. The math breaks down on insurance: Florida homeowners insurance averages $5,500-$11,000/year (highest in the US), and private insurers have pulled out, leaving Citizens Insurance as the insurer of last resort for many.
What are the best cities in Florida vs Illinois?
Florida's largest metros include Miami, Tampa, Orlando. Illinois's largest metros include Chicago. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a Florida suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.