Quick answer
Oregon has lower average 1BR rent ($1,495/mo vs $1,850/mo). State income tax: Illinois (4.95%) vs Oregon (Up to 9.9%) — on a $120K salary that's $5,940/year difference.
State Comparison · 2026
Illinois vs Oregon
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 Oregon at a Glance
| Metric | Illinois | Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $1,850 | $1,495 ✓ |
| Avg median home price | $340K ✓ | $472K |
| Cheapest city | Chicago ($1,850) | Eugene ($1,400) ✓ |
| Priciest city | Chicago ($1,850) | Portland ($1,590) |
| State income tax | 4.95% ✓ | Up to 9.9% |
| Avg walkability | 78/100 ✓ | 57/100 |
| 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
$3,960
/year saved in Illinois
Salary $120K
$5,940
/year saved in Illinois
Salary $200K
$9,900
/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.
Oregon (OR)
Tax reality
Oregon has one of the highest state income taxes in the US — 9.9% on income over $125K. BUT zero sales tax, which benefits high spenders and makes Oregon a strong pick for buyers and frequent shoppers. Property tax is moderate (~1% effective). The estate tax kicks in at $1M.
Top cities (2 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕State income tax at 9.9% (top bracket, kicking in at ~$125K) is among the highest in the US. High earners considering Oregon should compare against Washington's 0% and factor $10,000+/year state tax hit.
- ✕Portland has real livability concerns downtown that haven't fully resolved. Outside central downtown, residential neighborhoods are fine, but the downtown office/retail core is struggling.
- ✕PNW cloud cover runs October-April just like Seattle — 150+ cloudy days per year. Seasonal affective disorder is real for transplants from sunny climates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Illinois or Oregon cheaper to live in?
Oregon has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $1,495/mo vs $1,850/mo in Illinois, a $355/mo difference. Home prices: Illinois median is $340K vs $472K.
Illinois vs Oregon: which has lower state income tax?
Illinois has lower state income tax (4.95%) vs Up to 9.9% in Oregon. On an $80K salary that's $3,960/year in savings. On $200K, savings grow to $9,900/year.
Should I move from Illinois to Oregon?
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 Oregon?
Illinois's largest metros include Chicago. Oregon's largest metros include Portland, Eugene. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a Illinois suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.