Florida vs Illinois: Tax & Cost Comparison
2026Side-by-side Florida vs Illinois comparison: state income tax, sales tax, property tax, cost of living, and minimum wage for 2026. Illinois has lost more residents to Florida than to any other state — comparing IL's 4.95% flat + 2.05% effective property-tax against FL's no-income-tax + Save Our Homes 3% cap.
Written and reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Methodology · Updated
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.
| Tax / Cost Factor | Florida | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax (top rate) | None | 4.95% (flat) |
| State sales tax | 6.00% | 6.25% |
| Avg. effective property tax | 0.86% | 2.07% |
| Minimum wage (2026) | $14.00/hr | $15.00/hr |
| State Disability Insurance (SDI) | No | No |
| Paid Family Leave | No | No |
| Median home price (Q4 2025) | $410,000 | $285,000 |
| Foreclosure type | judicial | judicial |
| BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) | 100.4 | 96.7 |
| Median household income (2024) | $67,900 | $79,555 |
| Median 2-bedroom rent (Q4 2025) | $1,810/mo | $1,500/mo |
Worked example: $75,000 single filer, 2026
For a single filer earning $75,000 in 2026, the rough state-tax burden comparison:
- Florida: estimated state income tax $0 (no state income tax), plus federal income tax (≈ $7,300 at 22% marginal), FICA $5,738, sales tax 6.00% on consumption.
- Illinois: estimated state income tax ≈ $2,599, plus federal $7,300, FICA $5,738, sales tax 6.25% on consumption.
Property tax depends entirely on home value. On a $400,000 home: Florida ≈ $$3,440/year; Illinois ≈ $$8,280/year.
Why this comparison? Illinois has lost more residents to Florida than to any other state — comparing IL's 4.95% flat + 2.05% effective property-tax against FL's no-income-tax + Save Our Homes 3% cap.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper to live in: Florida or Illinois?
By BEA Regional Price Parity (2024), Florida has a cost-of-living index of 100.4 and Illinois is 96.7 (US average = 100). Median household income: Florida $67,900, Illinois $79,555. Median 2-bedroom rent: Florida $1,810/mo, Illinois $1,500/mo. Illinois is the lower-cost state by this measure.
Does Florida or Illinois have lower income tax in 2026?
Florida has no state income tax; Illinois has a top rate of 4.95%. Florida is the clearly lower-income-tax state.
What about property taxes in Florida vs Illinois?
Florida's average effective property tax rate is 0.86% (e.g., $3,440/year on a $400,000 home). Illinois's rate is 2.07% ($8,280/year on $400K). Florida has the lower property tax burden.
Where is the minimum wage higher: Florida or Illinois?
Florida's 2026 minimum wage is $14.00/hour; Illinois's is $15.00/hour. Illinois is higher.