Illinois
High tax burden · COL index 92
Wins 8 categories
Tennessee
Low tax burden · COL index 92
Wins 6 categories
Tennessee has no state income tax. Illinois's top rate is 4.95%. Property taxes are meaningfully different: Illinois averages 1.73% annually vs Tennessee's 0.45%. The median home in Tennessee costs $350K vs $275K in Illinois. Politically, Tennessee voted Republican in 2024 (R+24.0) while Illinois went Democratic (D+14.0).
Taxes
Housing & Cost of Living
Crime & Safety
Healthcare
Education
Childcare
Utilities & Daily Costs
Social Policy
Category wins
8
Illinois
6
Tennessee
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Is it better to live in Tennessee or Illinois?
Cost of Living by Category For those relocating in 2026, the primary “win” in Tennessee is found in housing carrying costs and take-home pay, while Illinois often wins on transit efficiency and summer utility stability.
What are the drawbacks to living in Tennessee?
Are taxes higher in Illinois or Tennessee?
Tennessee sales tax details The minimum combined 2026 sales tax rate for Tennessee, Illinois is 8%. This is the total of state, county, and city sales tax rates. The Illinois sales tax rate is currently 6.25%. The Tennessee sales tax rate is 0.0%.
Why are people moving out of TN?