🇺🇸 Cost of Living in Illinois
One city deep-dive — more coming as we expand
Median monthly budget · single · city center
$3,365/mo
Across 1 city we track
Couple
$4,110
Family of 4
$10,653
State income tax — the silent budget killer
On a $100k salary, state income tax alone can mean $0 to $13,000+ difference. This matters more than the price of milk.
City-by-city damage report
Rent — the biggest line item
Source: Numbeo. Prices in USD.
Grocery prices — the supermarket reality check
Median across 1 city
Eating out — because you won't cook every night
Median prices across 1 city
Getting around — or trying to
Median prices across 1 city
Illinois vs. the competition
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Illinois?▼
Across 1 city, a single person spends a median of $3,365/month including rent. Chicago is the cheapest at $3,365/mo.
What is the average rent in Illinois?▼
Median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center is $2,388/month across 1 city we track.
Does Illinois have a state income tax?▼
Illinois state income tax: 4.95% flat. This significantly affects take-home pay — a $100k salary looks very different in a no-tax state vs. California.
What is the average salary in Illinois?▼
The median monthly net salary (after tax) across 1 city is about $4,775, based on Numbeo data.
Cost data sourced from Numbeo. Updated periodically.