State Comparison
Illinois vs Florida
Side-by-side comparison of 16 financial metrics using documented public datasets and estimates, with sources listed below.
Overall Score
Cost of Living
Housing
Taxes
Income & Employment
Business
Insurance & Living
Key Takeaways
- 1
Illinois leads in 10 of 16 financial metrics, making it the more favorable state overall.
- 2
Housing: Median home prices are $299,000 in Illinois vs $378,000 in Florida — a $79,000 difference.
- 3
Taxes: Illinois has a 4.95% top income tax rate while Florida has no income tax. Property tax rates are 1.88% vs 0.78%.
- 4
Cost of Living: Illinois's index is 96.4 and Florida's is 102.8 (national average = 100).
Run the Numbers
Use our free calculators with real Illinois and Florida data to model your specific scenario.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Illinois or Florida more affordable?
Illinois has a lower cost of living index (96.4) compared to Florida (102.8), where 100 is the national average. However, affordability depends on your specific situation — compare housing, taxes, and income together for a complete picture.
Which state has lower taxes — Illinois or Florida?
Overall, Florida has a lower combined tax burden. Illinois has a 4.95% top income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.88% property tax. Florida has no income tax, 6% sales tax, and 0.78% property tax.
What are housing costs in Illinois vs Florida?
The median home price in Illinois is $299,000 compared to $378,000 in Florida. For renters, a 2-bedroom apartment averages $1,579/month in Illinois vs $1,973/month in Florida.
Which state is better for starting a business — Illinois or Florida?
LLC filing costs are $150 in Illinois vs $125 in Florida, with annual fees of $75 and $139 respectively. Illinois's 4.95% top tax rate compared to Florida's tax-free status may also factor into your decision.
Should I move from Illinois to Florida?
It depends on your priorities. Illinois wins in 10 of 16 metrics we compared. Use our free calculators to model your specific financial scenario — including salary, property tax, and cost of living for each state.
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Related Comparisons
Comparing Illinois and Florida
When deciding between living in Illinois or Florida, the financial picture goes beyond just one metric. This comparison analyzes 16 key financial indicators sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, Tax Foundation, HUD Fair Market Rent data, and Bureau of Labor Statistics to give you a comprehensive overview.
Illinois (IL) has a median household income of $72,205 with a cost of living index of 96.4. Florida (FL) has a median household income of $67,917 with a cost of living index of 102.8.
These numbers are estimates. Individual circumstances vary based on location within each state, family size, profession, and lifestyle. Use our free Illinois calculator or Florida calculator to model your specific financial scenario.
Inputs include Census Bureau ACS, Tax Foundation, HUD FMR, and BLS data. Last reviewed January 2026. Some values are estimates; consult a qualified professional for financial advice.