Quick answer
Virginia has lower average 1BR rent ($1,360/mo vs $1,850/mo). State income tax: Illinois (4.95%) vs Virginia (5.75%) — on a $120K salary that's $960/year difference.
State Comparison · 2026
Illinois vs Virginia
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 Virginia at a Glance
| Metric | Illinois | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $1,850 | $1,360 ✓ |
| Avg median home price | $340K | $335K ✓ |
| Cheapest city | Chicago ($1,850) | Richmond ($1,320) ✓ |
| Priciest city | Chicago ($1,850) | Virginia Beach ($1,400) |
| State income tax | 4.95% ✓ | 5.75% |
| Avg walkability | 78/100 ✓ | 44/100 |
| 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
$640
/year saved in Illinois
Salary $120K
$960
/year saved in Illinois
Salary $200K
$1,600
/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.
Virginia (VA)
Tax reality
Virginia has a progressive state income tax up to 5.75% (modest). Property tax is low (~0.82% effective). Sales tax 4.3% state + local to 5.3-7%. No estate tax. Compared to Maryland, Virginia is a lower-tax option for DC-area workers.
Top cities (2 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕NoVA housing is genuinely expensive — $700K+ median in Fairfax. Buying a first home in the best school districts is stretched for dual-income $250K+ households.
- ✕NoVA traffic is notorious — the Capital Beltway (I-495) and I-66 are regularly gridlocked. Metro is an option but not universal.
- ✕Virginia Beach and coastal areas face hurricane and sea-level-rise risk. Insurance is increasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Illinois or Virginia cheaper to live in?
Virginia has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $1,360/mo vs $1,850/mo in Illinois, a $490/mo difference. Home prices: Virginia median is $335K vs $340K.
Illinois vs Virginia: which has lower state income tax?
Illinois has lower state income tax (4.95%) vs 5.75% in Virginia. On an $80K salary that's $640/year in savings. On $200K, savings grow to $1,600/year.
Should I move from Illinois to Virginia?
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 Virginia?
Illinois's largest metros include Chicago. Virginia's largest metros include Richmond, Virginia Beach. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a Illinois suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.