Illinois vs Ohio: Paycheck Calculator Comparison
VSDetailed comparison of tax rates, cost of living, and quality of life
📌 Annual variance runs about $720 at $75,000 when comparing 4.95% versus 3.99%. Ohio maintains appeal through affordability. urban professionals demographics lean Ohio for financial reasons; middle class sectors prefer Illinois despite tax differential.
The spread between Illinois (4.95%) and Ohio (3.99%) creates noticeable paycheck differences. At $75,000, you're facing roughly $720 in annual tax variance. How much that matters depends on your broader financial picture.
🔑 Key Differences
- **State income tax**: Illinois at 4.95% vs Ohio at 3.99%
- **Annual savings** (on $75,000): Ohio saves you ~$720
- **Tax system**: Both use progressive brackets
- **Deductions**: Standard federal deductions apply, state variations exist
- **Local taxes**: Check your specific county/city as rates vary within states
Tax Comparison
| Tax Type | Illinois | Ohio |
|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 0% - 3.99% |
| 💰 On $40,000 Salary |
State Tax: $1,980
Take Home: $38,020
|
State Tax: $798
Take Home: $39,202
+$1,182
|
| 💰 On $60,000 Salary |
State Tax: $2,970
Take Home: $57,030
|
State Tax: $1,197
Take Home: $58,803
+$1,773
|
| 💰 On $100,000 Salary |
State Tax: $4,950
Take Home: $95,050
|
State Tax: $1,995
Take Home: $98,005
+$2,955
|
| Cost of Living | Illinois costs split dramatically between Chicago and downstate. Chicago proper commands high prices - rent for decent apartments often runs $1,500-2,500, with home prices in desirable neighborhoods exceeding $400,000. Suburbs provide more moderate housing but property taxes can reach $8,000-12,000 annually even for modest homes. Downstate cities like Springfield, Champaign, and Rockford offer genuine Midwest affordability with housing costs 40-60% below Chicago levels. Sales tax reaches 10.25% in Chicago, among the nation's highest. Utilities cost more during brutal winters. The cost division means identical salaries deliver vastly different lifestyles depending on location within Illinois. | Ohio ranks among America's more affordable states. Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati offer genuine metropolitan amenities with housing costs 40-50% below similar-sized coastal cities. Quality homes in good suburbs typically sell for $200,000-300,000. Smaller Ohio cities provide even better value. Property taxes vary by locality but generally stay moderate. Groceries, utilities, and services all cost substantially less than national averages. The affordability means moderate salaries support comfortable middle-class lifestyles. |
Pros & Cons
Illinois
✓ Advantages
- Flat 4.95% state income tax is simple and predictable
- Strong job market in Chicago across multiple industries
- Central US location provides excellent transportation access
- Downstate areas offer affordable cost of living
- Major universities and research institutions
⚠ Considerations
- Property taxes among highest nationally, especially near Chicago
- State faces significant financial challenges
- Sales tax reaches 10.25% in Chicago
- Cold winters with substantial heating costs
- Chicago's high costs offset lower expenses elsewhere
Ohio
✓ Advantages
- Moderate state income tax tops out at 3.75%
- Affordable cost of living across the state
- Strong healthcare and manufacturing sectors
- Major metro areas offer urban amenities at reasonable costs
- Central location provides access to other regional markets
⚠ Considerations
- Some cities impose local income taxes on top of state tax
- Cold winters with heating expenses
- Some industrial areas face economic challenges
- Public transportation limited outside Cleveland
- Brain drain as young professionals leave for coastal opportunities
Bottom Line
Tax-wise, Ohio wins with about $720 annual savings at $75,000. Illinois maintains pull through affordability, which resonates particularly with middle class. Recent trends show urban professionals moving to Ohio, though Illinois continues drawing people who prioritize {factor}.📢 Share This Comparison
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