Illinois vs Ohio Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$78,947
in Illinois
$79,281
in Ohio
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 | Ohio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 84.3 | 87.6 | -4% |
| Groceries | 99.8 | 99.4 | 0% |
| Utilities | 99.0 | 98.3 | +1% |
| Transportation | 100.5 | 97.6 | +3% |
| Healthcare | 104.1 | 97.0 | +7% |
| Dining & Misc | 98.7 | 96.7 | +2% |
| Overall | 95.0 | 94.6 | 0% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Illinois.
What things actually cost
| Item | Illinois | Ohio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $260,000 | $220,000 | +$40,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,180/mo | $1,226/mo | $46 |
| Gas price | $3.60/gal | $3.44/gal | +$0.16 |
| Electric bill | $108/mo | $100/mo | +$8 |
| Infant childcare | $16,107/yr | $17,071/yr | $964 |
Salary equivalent: Illinois → Ohio
What a Illinois salary buys you in Ohio, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Illinois | Equivalent in Ohio | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $49,789 | +$211 |
| $75,000 | $74,684 | +$316 |
| $100,000 | $99,579 | +$421 |
| $150,000 | $149,368 | +$632 |
| $200,000 | $199,158 | +$842 |
Positive = your money goes further in Ohio. 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 and Ohio have nearly identical costs of living, with overall indices of 95 and 94.6 (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or Ohio?
Illinois and Ohio have roughly the same cost of living, with less than 1% difference in the MERIC/C2ER composite index.
Is Illinois cheaper than Ohio?
Illinois and Ohio cost roughly the same to live in.
Is Ohio more expensive than Illinois?
Illinois and Ohio have nearly identical costs of living — the difference is less than 1%.
What salary in Ohio equals $100,000 in Illinois?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Illinois, you would need approximately $99,579 in Ohio. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (95 vs 94.6).
How do housing costs compare between Illinois and Ohio?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Ohio. Median home prices are $260,000 in Illinois vs $220,000 in Ohio — a $40,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,180/mo vs $1,226/mo.
What costs more in Illinois vs Ohio?
Healthcare is 7% higher in Illinois (index 104.1 vs 97). Housing is 4% lower in Illinois (index 84.3 vs 87.6). Transportation is 3% higher in Illinois (index 100.5 vs 97.6).
Is gas cheaper in Illinois or Ohio?
Gas averages $3.60/gallon in Illinois and $3.44/gallon in Ohio — a $0.16 difference per gallon.
Illinois vs Ohio cost of living — how do they compare?
Illinois has an overall cost-of-living index of 95 and Ohio has 94.6 (national average = 100). They are nearly identical. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Ohio?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Illinois vs Ohio 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
- Ohio Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Illinois vs Ohio Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Illinois — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Ohio — 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.