Quick answer
Missouri has lower average 1BR rent ($1,100/mo vs $1,850/mo). State income tax: Illinois (4.95%) vs Missouri (5.4%) — on a $120K salary that's $540/year difference.
State Comparison · 2026
Illinois vs Missouri
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
Illinois vs Missouri at a Glance
| Metric | Illinois | Missouri |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $1,850 | $1,100 ✓ |
| Avg median home price | $340K | $235K ✓ |
| Cheapest city | Chicago ($1,850) | Kansas City ($1,100) ✓ |
| Priciest city | Chicago ($1,850) | St. Louis ($1,100) |
| State income tax | 4.95% ✓ | 5.4% |
| Avg walkability | 78/100 ✓ | 44/100 |
| Cities tracked | 1 | 2 |
✓ 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
$360
/year saved in Illinois
Salary $120K
$540
/year saved in Illinois
Salary $200K
$900
/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
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.
Missouri (MO)
Tax reality
Missouri has a progressive state income tax up to 4.95%. Property tax is low-moderate (~0.9% effective). Sales tax 4.225% state + local to 8-9%. No estate tax.
Top cities (2 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Summers are humid-subtropical — 90°F + 75% humidity from June through mid-September, plus severe thunderstorm season in spring.
- ✕Tornado risk is real. Missouri is in tornado alley and both Kansas City and St. Louis metros have had damaging tornadoes. Joplin (2011) was devastating.
- ✕St. Louis has real public safety concerns in specific city neighborhoods. North St. Louis has high violent crime; Central West End, The Hill, Soulard, and Tower Grove are generally fine. Knowing neighborhoods matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Illinois or Missouri cheaper to live in?
Missouri has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $1,100/mo vs $1,850/mo in Illinois, a $750/mo difference. Home prices: Missouri median is $235K vs $340K.
Illinois vs Missouri: which has lower state income tax?
Illinois has lower state income tax (4.95%) vs 5.4% in Missouri. On an $80K salary that's $360/year in savings. On $200K, savings grow to $900/year.
Should I move from Illinois to Missouri?
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.
What are the best cities in Illinois vs Missouri?
Illinois's largest metros include Chicago. Missouri's largest metros include Kansas City, St. Louis. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a Illinois suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.