Quick answer
Pennsylvania has lower average 1BR rent ($1,540/mo vs $1,850/mo). State income tax: Pennsylvania (3.07%) vs Illinois (4.95%) — on a $120K salary that's $2,256/year difference.
State Comparison · 2026
Illinois vs Pennsylvania
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 Pennsylvania at a Glance
| Metric | Illinois | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $1,850 | $1,540 ✓ |
| Avg median home price | $340K | $253K ✓ |
| Cheapest city | Chicago ($1,850) | Pittsburgh ($1,280) ✓ |
| Priciest city | Chicago ($1,850) | Philadelphia ($1,800) |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 3.07% ✓ |
| Avg walkability | 78/100 ✓ | 71/100 |
| 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: Pennsylvania (3.07%).
Salary $80K
$1,504
/year saved in Pennsylvania
Salary $120K
$2,256
/year saved in Pennsylvania
Salary $200K
$3,760
/year saved in Pennsylvania
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.
Pennsylvania (PA)
Tax reality
Pennsylvania has a 3.07% flat state income tax — among the lowest in any income-tax state. No tax on retirement income (401k withdrawals, Social Security, pensions). Property tax varies widely by local school district — Philly suburbs can be 2%+, rural counties under 1%.
Top cities (2 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Winters in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are real. Pittsburgh averages 41 inches of snow per year and stays overcast from November through April. Philadelphia is milder but still has freezing temps and 18-22 inches of average snowfall.
- ✕Philadelphia has ongoing public safety concerns in specific neighborhoods — Kensington in particular has a severe open-air drug market. Center City, South Philly, West Philly, and Northern Liberties are generally fine. Knowing neighborhoods matters.
- ✕School districts in Philly proper have struggled for decades. Suburban districts (Lower Merion, Tredyffrin-Easttown, Radnor) are among the best-funded in the US but come with $900K+ home prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Illinois or Pennsylvania cheaper to live in?
Pennsylvania has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $1,540/mo vs $1,850/mo in Illinois, a $310/mo difference. Home prices: Pennsylvania median is $253K vs $340K.
Illinois vs Pennsylvania: which has lower state income tax?
Pennsylvania has lower state income tax (3.07%) vs 4.95% in Illinois. On an $80K salary that's $1,504/year in savings. On $200K, savings grow to $3,760/year.
Should I move from Illinois to Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania?
Illinois's largest metros include Chicago. Pennsylvania's largest metros include Pittsburgh, Philadelphia. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a Illinois suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.