Illinois vs Virginia Paycheck Comparison 2026
Annual salary
Annual salary
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
You take home $343/yr more in Illinois
$29/mo · $13/paycheck more
$57,880/yr in Illinois vs $57,538/yr in Virginia.
Illinois
Take-home per paycheck
$2,226.15
$57,880/yr · 26x/yr
Tax rates
Virginia
Take-home per paycheck
$2,212.98
$57,538/yr · 26x/yr
Tax rates
Cost of living comparison
Cost of living in Illinois is 7% lower than in Virginia.
At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $57,880 in Illinois has the purchasing power of $53,802 in Virginia terms.
After adjusting for cost of living, Virginia comes out ahead by $3,736/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.
Virginia: Virginia uses a progressive income tax with 4 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 5.75%.
Take-home pay at different salaries (single filer, 2026)
| Salary | Illinois take-home | Virginia take-home | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $39,880 | $39,738 | + $143 |
| $75,000 | $57,880 | $57,538 | + $343 |
| $100,000 | $74,230 | $73,688 | + $543 |
| $150,000 | $106,366 | $105,424 | + $943 |
| $200,000 | $139,027 | $137,685 | + $1,343 |
| $300,000 | $200,327 | $198,184 | + $2,143 |
Positive values mean higher take-home in Illinois. Assumes single filer, no deductions.
FAQ
Which state has lower taxes, Illinois or Virginia?
At a $100,000 salary, Illinois results in $543 more annual take-home pay. Illinois has a flat state income tax of 4.95%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate. Virginia uses a progressive income tax with 4 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 5.75%.
How much more do you take home in Illinois vs the other state?
The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $143/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $943/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $2,143/yr.
Do Illinois and Virginia 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 Virginia?
Illinois is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Illinois is 6% lower than in Virginia. Illinois's Regional Price Parity is 97.1 and Virginia's is 103.2 (US average = 100).
Is Illinois cheaper than Virginia?
Yes. Illinois has a lower cost of living than Virginia (index 97.1 vs 103.2). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.
Is Virginia more expensive than Illinois?
Yes. Virginia has a higher cost of living (index 103.2) 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 $69,842 in Virginia terms. Conversely, $73,688 in Virginia equals $78,317 in Illinois terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Virginia comes out ahead.
Illinois vs Virginia cost of living — what's the difference?
The overall cost of living is 6% different between Illinois and Virginia. Living costs are about 3% below the national average Living costs are about 3% above the national average After taxes and cost of living, Virginia gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.
Related tools
- Illinois vs Virginia 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 Virginia?
Illinois Paycheck Estimator · Virginia Paycheck Estimator · All states