Illinois vs Oregon Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$78,947
in Illinois
$66,489
in Oregon
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 | Oregon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 84.3 | 127.4 | -34% |
| Groceries | 99.8 | 106.8 | -7% |
| Utilities | 99.0 | 95.6 | +4% |
| Transportation | 100.5 | 119.1 | -16% |
| Healthcare | 104.1 | 117.9 | -12% |
| Dining & Misc | 98.7 | 104.4 | -5% |
| Overall | 95.0 | 112.8 | -16% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Illinois.
What things actually cost
| Item | Illinois | Oregon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $260,000 | $490,000 | $230,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,180/mo | $1,784/mo | $604 |
| Gas price | $3.60/gal | $4.26/gal | $0.66 |
| Electric bill | $108/mo | $98/mo | +$10 |
| Infant childcare | $16,107/yr | $19,064/yr | $2,957 |
Salary equivalent: Illinois → Oregon
What a Illinois salary buys you in Oregon, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Illinois | Equivalent in Oregon | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $59,368 | $-9,368 |
| $75,000 | $89,053 | $-14,053 |
| $100,000 | $118,737 | $-18,737 |
| $150,000 | $178,105 | $-28,105 |
| $200,000 | $237,474 | $-37,474 |
Positive = your money goes further in Oregon. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Oregon is 16% more expensive than Illinois overall. Oregon has an index of 112.8 vs 95 for Illinois (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or Oregon?
Illinois is cheaper to live in. Oregon is 16% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $260,000 in Illinois vs $490,000 in Oregon.
Is Illinois cheaper than Oregon?
Yes, Illinois is 16% cheaper than Oregon overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Oregon more expensive than Illinois?
Yes, Oregon is 16% more expensive than Illinois based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Oregon equals $100,000 in Illinois?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Illinois, you would need approximately $118,737 in Oregon. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (95 vs 112.8).
How do housing costs compare between Illinois and Oregon?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Illinois. Median home prices are $260,000 in Illinois vs $490,000 in Oregon — a $230,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,180/mo vs $1,784/mo.
What costs more in Illinois vs Oregon?
Housing is 34% lower in Illinois (index 84.3 vs 127.4). Transportation is 16% lower in Illinois (index 100.5 vs 119.1). Healthcare is 12% lower in Illinois (index 104.1 vs 117.9).
Is gas cheaper in Illinois or Oregon?
Gas averages $3.60/gallon in Illinois and $4.26/gallon in Oregon — a $0.66 difference per gallon.
Illinois vs Oregon cost of living — how do they compare?
Illinois has an overall cost-of-living index of 95 and Oregon has 112.8 (national average = 100). Oregon is 16% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Oregon?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Illinois vs Oregon 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
- Oregon Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Illinois vs Oregon Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Illinois — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Oregon — 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.