Illinois
High tax burden · COL index 92
Wins 1 categories
Iowa
Moderate tax burden · COL index 88
Wins 12 categories
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% vs Iowa's 3.8%. Property taxes are meaningfully different: Illinois averages 1.73% annually vs Iowa's 1.42%. Politically, Iowa voted Republican in 2024 (R+13.0) while Illinois went Democratic (D+14.0).
Taxes
Housing & Cost of Living
Crime & Safety
Healthcare
Education
Childcare
Utilities & Daily Costs
Social Policy
Category wins
1
Illinois
12
Iowa
Run the full slider tool to score these states against your specific income, home value, retirement, and lifestyle priorities.
Score For My Profile →People Also Ask
Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Illinois?
Why are so many people leaving the state of Illinois?
Are people leaving or moving to Iowa?
Iowa is among the top states people are leaving, according to new migration data from Atlas Van Lines. Why it matters: High outbound rates can shrink Iowa's future workforce and tax base, straining economic growth and local services.
Does Iowa have lower taxes than Illinois?
Iowa Property Taxes: Property taxes in Iowa tend to be lower than in Illinois, making it a more affordable option for many buyers. The state also provides several exemptions that can reduce the taxable value of your property, further decreasing your overall tax burden.