Quick answer
South Carolina has lower average 1BR rent ($1,500/mo vs $1,850/mo). State income tax: Illinois (4.95%) vs South Carolina (6.4%) — on a $120K salary that's $1,740/year difference.
State Comparison · 2026
Illinois vs South Carolina
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 South Carolina at a Glance
| Metric | Illinois | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $1,850 | $1,500 ✓ |
| Avg median home price | $340K ✓ | $448K |
| Cheapest city | Chicago ($1,850) | Greenville ($1,250) ✓ |
| Priciest city | Chicago ($1,850) | Charleston ($1,750) |
| State income tax | 4.95% ✓ | 6.4% |
| 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
$1,160
/year saved in Illinois
Salary $120K
$1,740
/year saved in Illinois
Salary $200K
$2,900
/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.
South Carolina (SC)
Tax reality
South Carolina top income tax is 6.2% (being reduced to 5.75% over time) and property tax averages ~0.57%. Combined effective tax is moderate. The real cost is rising property insurance — coastal homeowners face 15-25% annual increases due to hurricane risk.
Top cities (2 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Hurricane/flood risk is real in the Lowcountry — Katrina, Matthew, Florence, Ian all caused significant damage. "Sunny day flooding" in Charleston happens 3-5 times/year now (king tide + sea level rise), closing streets and roads with no storm.
- ✕Extreme summer heat and humidity — July-August regularly hit 92°F+ with 75%+ humidity, making outdoor activity miserable. Heat index routinely 100°F+. This is worse than Alabama due to coastal moisture.
- ✕Insurance costs are spiking coastal — homeowners insurance increased 15-25%+ annually in Charleston area. Flood insurance is separate and expensive. Some insurers are exiting the state entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Illinois or South Carolina cheaper to live in?
South Carolina has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $1,500/mo vs $1,850/mo in Illinois, a $350/mo difference. Home prices: Illinois median is $340K vs $448K.
Illinois vs South Carolina: which has lower state income tax?
Illinois has lower state income tax (4.95%) vs 6.4% in South Carolina. On an $80K salary that's $1,160/year in savings. On $200K, savings grow to $2,900/year.
Should I move from Illinois to South Carolina?
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 South Carolina?
Illinois's largest metros include Chicago. South Carolina's largest metros include Charleston, Greenville. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a Illinois suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.