Georgia vs Illinois Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$81,345
in Georgia
$78,947
in Illinois
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Georgia | Illinois | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 79.7 | 84.3 | -5% |
| Groceries | 97.8 | 99.8 | -2% |
| Utilities | 100.6 | 99.0 | +2% |
| Transportation | 95.7 | 100.5 | -5% |
| Healthcare | 97.2 | 104.1 | -7% |
| Dining & Misc | 97.0 | 98.7 | -2% |
| Overall | 92.2 | 95.0 | -3% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Georgia.
What things actually cost
| Item | Georgia | Illinois | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $310,000 | $260,000 | +$50,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,116/mo | $1,180/mo | $64 |
| Gas price | $3.32/gal | $3.60/gal | $0.28 |
| Electric bill | $101/mo | $108/mo | $7 |
| Infant childcare | $11,863/yr | $16,107/yr | $4,244 |
Salary equivalent: Georgia → Illinois
What a Georgia salary buys you in Illinois, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Georgia | Equivalent in Illinois | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $51,518 | $-1,518 |
| $75,000 | $77,278 | $-2,278 |
| $100,000 | $103,037 | $-3,037 |
| $150,000 | $154,555 | $-4,555 |
| $200,000 | $206,074 | $-6,074 |
Positive = your money goes further in Illinois. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Illinois is 3% more expensive than Georgia overall. Illinois has an index of 95 vs 92.2 for Georgia (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Georgia or Illinois?
Georgia is cheaper to live in. Illinois is 3% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $310,000 in Georgia vs $260,000 in Illinois.
Is Georgia cheaper than Illinois?
Yes, Georgia is 3% cheaper than Illinois overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Illinois more expensive than Georgia?
Yes, Illinois is 3% more expensive than Georgia based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Illinois equals $100,000 in Georgia?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Georgia, you would need approximately $103,037 in Illinois. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (92.2 vs 95).
How do housing costs compare between Georgia and Illinois?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Illinois. Median home prices are $310,000 in Georgia vs $260,000 in Illinois — a $50,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,116/mo vs $1,180/mo.
What costs more in Georgia vs Illinois?
Healthcare is 7% lower in Georgia (index 97.2 vs 104.1). Transportation is 5% lower in Georgia (index 95.7 vs 100.5). Housing is 5% lower in Georgia (index 79.7 vs 84.3).
Is gas cheaper in Georgia or Illinois?
Gas averages $3.32/gallon in Georgia and $3.60/gallon in Illinois — a $0.28 difference per gallon.
Georgia vs Illinois cost of living — how do they compare?
Georgia has an overall cost-of-living index of 92.2 and Illinois has 95 (national average = 100). Illinois is 3% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Illinois?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Georgia vs Illinois paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Georgia Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Illinois Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Georgia vs Illinois Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Georgia — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Illinois — How much house can you afford?
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.