Quick answer
Oklahoma has lower average 1BR rent ($920/mo vs $1,850/mo). State income tax: Oklahoma (4.75%) vs Illinois (4.95%) — on a $120K salary that's $240/year difference.
State Comparison · 2026
Illinois vs Oklahoma
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 Oklahoma at a Glance
| Metric | Illinois | Oklahoma |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $1,850 | $920 ✓ |
| Avg median home price | $340K | $210K ✓ |
| Cheapest city | Chicago ($1,850) | Oklahoma City ($920) ✓ |
| Priciest city | Chicago ($1,850) | Oklahoma City ($920) |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 4.75% ✓ |
| Avg walkability | 78/100 ✓ | 31/100 |
| Cities tracked | 1 | 1 |
✓ 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: Oklahoma (4.75%).
Salary $80K
$160
/year saved in Oklahoma
Salary $120K
$240
/year saved in Oklahoma
Salary $200K
$400
/year saved in Oklahoma
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.
Oklahoma (OK)
Tax reality
Oklahoma has a progressive state income tax up to 4.75%. Property tax is low (~0.83% effective). Sales tax 4.5% state + local to 8-9%. No estate tax. Overall low cost, moderate tax.
Top cities (1 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Tornado risk is the highest in the US. Spring (April-June) severe thunderstorm season is intense and occasionally catastrophic.
- ✕Summers are hot and humid — 95°F+ routinely, with afternoon thunderstorms and humidity.
- ✕Winters include ice storms which can shut down the region for days (trees and power lines fall under the weight).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Illinois or Oklahoma cheaper to live in?
Oklahoma has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $920/mo vs $1,850/mo in Illinois, a $930/mo difference. Home prices: Oklahoma median is $210K vs $340K.
Illinois vs Oklahoma: which has lower state income tax?
Oklahoma has lower state income tax (4.75%) vs 4.95% in Illinois. On an $80K salary that's $160/year in savings. On $200K, savings grow to $400/year.
Should I move from Illinois to Oklahoma?
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 Oklahoma?
Illinois's largest metros include Chicago. Oklahoma's largest metros include Oklahoma City. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a Illinois suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.