Illinois vs Pennsylvania Paycheck Comparison 2026
Annual salary
Annual salary
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
You take home $1,410/yr more in Pennsylvania
$118/mo · $54/paycheck more
$57,880/yr in Illinois vs $59,290/yr in Pennsylvania.
Illinois
Take-home per paycheck
$2,226.15
$57,880/yr · 26x/yr
Tax rates
Pennsylvania
Take-home per paycheck
$2,280.38
$59,290/yr · 26x/yr
Tax rates
Cost of living comparison
Cost of living in Illinois is 2% lower than in Pennsylvania.
At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $57,880 in Illinois has the purchasing power of $56,628 in Pennsylvania terms.
After adjusting for cost of living, Pennsylvania comes out ahead by $2,662/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.
Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax of 3.07%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate.
Take-home pay at different salaries (single filer, 2026)
| Salary | Illinois take-home | Pennsylvania take-home | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $39,880 | $40,820 | -$940 |
| $75,000 | $57,880 | $59,290 | -$1,410 |
| $100,000 | $74,230 | $76,110 | -$1,880 |
| $150,000 | $106,366 | $109,186 | -$2,820 |
| $200,000 | $139,027 | $142,787 | -$3,760 |
| $300,000 | $200,327 | $205,967 | -$5,640 |
Positive values mean higher take-home in Illinois. Assumes single filer, no deductions.
FAQ
Which state has lower taxes, Illinois or Pennsylvania?
At a $100,000 salary, Pennsylvania results in $1,880 more annual take-home pay. Illinois has a flat state income tax of 4.95%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax of 3.07%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate.
How much more do you take home in Pennsylvania vs the other state?
The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $940/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $2,820/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $5,640/yr.
Do Illinois and Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
Illinois is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Illinois is 1% lower than in Pennsylvania. Illinois's Regional Price Parity is 97.1 and Pennsylvania's is 98 (US average = 100).
Is Illinois cheaper than Pennsylvania?
Yes. Illinois has a lower cost of living than Pennsylvania (index 97.1 vs 98). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.
Is Pennsylvania more expensive than Illinois?
Yes. Pennsylvania has a higher cost of living (index 98) 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 $73,548 in Pennsylvania terms. Conversely, $76,110 in Pennsylvania equals $76,815 in Illinois terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Pennsylvania comes out ahead.
Illinois vs Pennsylvania cost of living — what's the difference?
The overall cost of living is 1% different between Illinois and Pennsylvania. Living costs are about 3% below the national average Living costs are about 2% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, Pennsylvania gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.
Related tools
- Illinois vs Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
Illinois Paycheck Estimator · Pennsylvania Paycheck Estimator · All states