Illinois vs Massachusetts Paycheck Comparison 2026
Annual salary
Annual salary
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
You take home $38/yr more in Illinois
$3/mo · $1/paycheck more
$57,880/yr in Illinois vs $57,843/yr in Massachusetts.
Illinois
Take-home per paycheck
$2,226.15
$57,880/yr · 26x/yr
Tax rates
Massachusetts
Take-home per paycheck
$2,224.71
$57,843/yr · 26x/yr
Tax rates
Cost of living comparison
Cost of living in Illinois is 36% lower than in Massachusetts.
At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $57,880 in Illinois has the purchasing power of $37,028 in Massachusetts terms.
After adjusting for cost of living, Massachusetts comes out ahead by $20,815/yr.
Estimate based on 2026 tax rates and standard deductions. Does not include local taxes, itemized deductions, tax credits, or other individual circumstances.
Tax system comparison
Illinois: Illinois has a flat state income tax of 4.95%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate.
Massachusetts: Massachusetts uses a progressive income tax with 2 brackets ranging from 5.00% to 9.00%.
Take-home pay at different salaries (single filer, 2026)
| Salary | Illinois take-home | Massachusetts take-home | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $39,880 | $39,855 | + $25 |
| $75,000 | $57,880 | $57,843 | + $38 |
| $100,000 | $74,230 | $74,180 | + $50 |
| $150,000 | $106,366 | $106,291 | + $75 |
| $200,000 | $139,027 | $138,927 | + $100 |
| $300,000 | $200,327 | $200,177 | + $150 |
Positive values mean higher take-home in Illinois. Assumes single filer, no deductions.
FAQ
Which state has lower taxes, Illinois or Massachusetts?
At a $100,000 salary, Illinois results in $50 more annual take-home pay. Illinois has a flat state income tax of 4.95%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate. Massachusetts uses a progressive income tax with 2 brackets ranging from 5.00% to 9.00%.
How much more do you take home in Illinois vs the other state?
The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $25/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $75/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $150/yr.
Do Illinois and Massachusetts have the same federal taxes?
Yes. Federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare are the same in every state. Only state income tax differs. This calculator shows the combined effect of federal and state taxes on your take-home pay.
Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or Massachusetts?
Illinois is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Illinois is 12% lower than in Massachusetts. Illinois's Regional Price Parity is 97.1 and Massachusetts's is 110.8 (US average = 100).
Is Illinois cheaper than Massachusetts?
Yes. Illinois has a lower cost of living than Massachusetts (index 97.1 vs 110.8). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.
Is Massachusetts more expensive than Illinois?
Yes. Massachusetts has a higher cost of living (index 110.8) compared to Illinois (index 97.1). The national average is 100. Housing costs are typically the largest driver of the difference.
After cost of living, which state is actually cheaper?
At a $100,000 salary, take-home pay of $74,230 in Illinois has the purchasing power of $65,052 in Massachusetts terms. Conversely, $74,180 in Massachusetts equals $84,646 in Illinois terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Massachusetts comes out ahead.
Illinois vs Massachusetts cost of living — what's the difference?
The overall cost of living is 14% different between Illinois and Massachusetts. Living costs are about 3% below the national average Living costs are 11% above the national average After taxes and cost of living, Massachusetts gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.
Related tools
- Illinois vs Massachusetts Cost of Living — Compare housing, groceries, utilities, and overall expenses
- How much house can you afford in Illinois?
- How much house can you afford in Massachusetts?
Illinois Paycheck Estimator · Massachusetts Paycheck Estimator · All states