Illinois vs New Jersey Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$78,947
in Illinois
$65,048
in New Jersey
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 | Illinois | New Jersey | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 84.3 | 141.9 | -41% |
| Groceries | 99.8 | 103.5 | -4% |
| Utilities | 99.0 | 102.2 | -3% |
| Transportation | 100.5 | 102.1 | -2% |
| Healthcare | 104.1 | 110.8 | -6% |
| Dining & Misc | 98.7 | 104.5 | -6% |
| Overall | 95.0 | 115.3 | -18% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Illinois.
What things actually cost
| Item | Illinois | New Jersey | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $260,000 | $500,000 | $240,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,180/mo | $1,987/mo | $807 |
| Gas price | $3.60/gal | $3.44/gal | +$0.16 |
| Electric bill | $108/mo | $144/mo | $36 |
| Infant childcare | $16,107/yr | $18,155/yr | $2,048 |
Salary equivalent: Illinois → New Jersey
What a Illinois salary buys you in New Jersey, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Illinois | Equivalent in New Jersey | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $60,684 | $-10,684 |
| $75,000 | $91,026 | $-16,026 |
| $100,000 | $121,368 | $-21,368 |
| $150,000 | $182,053 | $-32,053 |
| $200,000 | $242,737 | $-42,737 |
Positive = your money goes further in New Jersey. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
New Jersey is 18% more expensive than Illinois overall. New Jersey has an index of 115.3 vs 95 for Illinois (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or New Jersey?
Illinois is cheaper to live in. New Jersey is 18% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $260,000 in Illinois vs $500,000 in New Jersey.
Is Illinois cheaper than New Jersey?
Yes, Illinois is 18% cheaper than New Jersey overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is New Jersey more expensive than Illinois?
Yes, New Jersey is 18% more expensive than Illinois based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in New Jersey equals $100,000 in Illinois?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Illinois, you would need approximately $121,368 in New Jersey. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (95 vs 115.3).
How do housing costs compare between Illinois and New Jersey?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Illinois. Median home prices are $260,000 in Illinois vs $500,000 in New Jersey — a $240,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,180/mo vs $1,987/mo.
What costs more in Illinois vs New Jersey?
Housing is 41% lower in Illinois (index 84.3 vs 141.9). Healthcare is 6% lower in Illinois (index 104.1 vs 110.8). Dining & Misc is 6% lower in Illinois (index 98.7 vs 104.5).
Is gas cheaper in Illinois or New Jersey?
Gas averages $3.60/gallon in Illinois and $3.44/gallon in New Jersey — a $0.16 difference per gallon.
Illinois vs New Jersey cost of living — how do they compare?
Illinois has an overall cost-of-living index of 95 and New Jersey has 115.3 (national average = 100). New Jersey is 18% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and New Jersey?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Illinois vs New Jersey 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
- Illinois Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- New Jersey Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Illinois vs New Jersey Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Illinois — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in New Jersey — 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.