Illinois vs Tennessee Paycheck Comparison 2026
Annual salary
Annual salary
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
You take home $3,713/yr more in Tennessee
$309/mo · $143/paycheck more
$57,880/yr in Illinois vs $61,593/yr in Tennessee.
Illinois
Take-home per paycheck
$2,226.15
$57,880/yr · 26x/yr
Tax rates
Tennessee
Take-home per paycheck
$2,368.94
$61,593/yr · 26x/yr
Tax rates
Cost of living comparison
Cost of living in Illinois is 5% higher than in Tennessee.
At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $57,880 in Illinois has the purchasing power of $61,028 in Tennessee terms.
After adjusting for cost of living, Tennessee comes out ahead by $565/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.
Tennessee: Tennessee has no state income tax. Residents pay only federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare.
Take-home pay at different salaries (single filer, 2026)
| Salary | Illinois take-home | Tennessee take-home | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $39,880 | $42,355 | -$2,475 |
| $75,000 | $57,880 | $61,593 | -$3,712 |
| $100,000 | $74,230 | $79,180 | -$4,950 |
| $150,000 | $106,366 | $113,791 | -$7,425 |
| $200,000 | $139,027 | $148,927 | -$9,900 |
| $300,000 | $200,327 | $215,177 | -$14,850 |
Positive values mean higher take-home in Illinois. Assumes single filer, no deductions.
FAQ
Which state has lower taxes, Illinois or Tennessee?
At a $100,000 salary, Tennessee results in $4,950 more annual take-home pay. Illinois has a flat state income tax of 4.95%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate. Tennessee has no state income tax. Residents pay only federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare.
How much more do you take home in Tennessee vs the other state?
The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $2,475/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $7,425/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $14,850/yr.
Do Illinois and Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
Tennessee is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Illinois is 7% higher than in Tennessee. Illinois's Regional Price Parity is 97.1 and Tennessee's is 90.7 (US average = 100).
Is Tennessee cheaper than Illinois?
Yes. Tennessee has a lower cost of living than Illinois (index 90.7 vs 97.1). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.
Is Illinois more expensive than Tennessee?
Yes. Illinois has a higher cost of living (index 97.1) compared to Tennessee (index 90.7). 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 $79,468 in Tennessee terms. Conversely, $79,180 in Tennessee equals $73,961 in Illinois terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Illinois comes out ahead.
Illinois vs Tennessee cost of living — what's the difference?
The overall cost of living is 6% different between Illinois and Tennessee. Living costs are about 3% below the national average Living costs are 9% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, Illinois gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.
Do I need to file state tax returns in both Illinois and Tennessee?
Illinois requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Tennessee has no state income tax, so residents do not file a state tax return. If you move between states mid-year, you typically file a part-year resident return in each state for the income earned while living there. Each state has its own tax return form — check your state's department of revenue website for the correct form and e-filing options.
Related tools
- Illinois vs Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
- Illinois Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates and effective tax rate
- Tennessee Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates and effective tax rate
- Illinois Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Tennessee Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Pay Raise Calculator — See how a raise changes your take-home pay
- Gross-Up Calculator — Find the salary you need to hit a target take-home
- Salary to Hourly Converter — Convert annual salary to hourly rate
Illinois Paycheck Estimator · Tennessee Paycheck Estimator · All states