Compare Illinois vs Utah Paychecks
VSDetailed comparison of tax rates, cost of living, and quality of life
📌 Utah comes out ahead by approximately $100 annually at $100,000 income (4.85% compared to 4.95%). That said, Illinois pulls in residents attracted to outdoor recreation. The choice often comes down to whether cost of living or direct tax savings matters more to your situation.
Illinois charges 4.95% while Utah sits at 4.85%. For $100,000 earners, that difference translates to approximately $100 per year. It's a meaningful gap, though hardly the only consideration in a state-to-state comparison.
🔑 Key Differences
- **State income tax**: Illinois at 4.95% vs Utah at 4.85%
- **Annual savings** (on $100,000): Utah saves you ~$100
- **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 | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 4.85% |
| 💰 On $40,000 Salary |
State Tax: $1,980
Take Home: $38,020
|
State Tax: $1,940
Take Home: $38,060
+$40
|
| 💰 On $60,000 Salary |
State Tax: $2,970
Take Home: $57,030
|
State Tax: $2,910
Take Home: $57,090
+$60
|
| 💰 On $100,000 Salary |
State Tax: $4,950
Take Home: $95,050
|
State Tax: $4,850
Take Home: $95,150
+$100
|
| 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. | Utah costs have increased substantially. Salt Lake City and surrounding areas command prices approaching expensive metros - median home prices often exceed $450,000-500,000. Provo-Orem follows similar trajectory. Smaller Utah cities offer better value. Property taxes stay moderate. Sales tax reaches 7-8%. The affordability advantage Utah once offered has compressed significantly as technology sector drives population growth and housing demand. |
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
Utah
✓ Advantages
- Flat 4.65% income tax is simple and predictable
- Strong growing technology sector
- Beautiful outdoor recreation and skiing
- Lower unemployment rates
- Young educated workforce
⚠ Considerations
- Rising housing costs especially in Salt Lake area
- Air quality issues in winter months
- Limited public transportation
- Sales tax can be high
- Some areas face water scarcity
Bottom Line
Bottom line: Utah saves you about $100 annually at $100,000 on taxes alone. Illinois maintains appeal through outdoor recreation, attracting people willing to pay more for what it offers. The choice often comes down to {factor} versus direct financial savings.📢 Share This Comparison
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