Illinois
95.1
composite · rank #24
- Housing
- 84.7
- Grocery
- 99.2
- Utilities
- 102.6
Compare different states
Q1 2026
Q1 2026Illinois vs Michigan Cost of Living
Michigan has the lower cost of living by 1.2 index points. Compare category indexes and equivalent salaries in both directions.
By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2026
Lower cost of living
Michigan is lower
1.2 index points lower. A $100,000 lifestyle in Illinois is roughly $98,738 in Michigan.
Side-by-side cost of living scoreboard
Michigan
93.9
composite · rank #22
- Housing
- 85.7
- Grocery
- 100.1
- Utilities
- 98
Category-by-category comparison
| Category | Illinois | Michigan | Lower cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grocery | 99.2 | 100.1 | Illinois |
| Housing | 84.7 | 85.7 | Illinois |
| Utilities | 102.6 | 98 | Michigan |
| Transportation | 97 | 98.5 | Illinois |
| Health care | 103 | 88.2 | Michigan |
| Misc. goods & services | 98.9 | 97 | Michigan |
Grocery
Illinois99.2
Michigan100.1
Lower cost: Illinois
Housing
Illinois84.7
Michigan85.7
Lower cost: Illinois
Utilities
Illinois102.6
Michigan98
Lower cost: Michigan
Transportation
Illinois97
Michigan98.5
Lower cost: Illinois
Health care
Illinois103
Michigan88.2
Lower cost: Michigan
Misc. goods & services
Illinois98.9
Michigan97
Lower cost: Michigan
Equivalent salary examples
Salary needed in the destination state to match purchasing power in the origin state.
| Origin salary | Needed in Michigan | Needed in Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $49,369 | $50,639 |
| $75,000 | $74,054 | $75,958 |
| $100,000 | $98,738 | $101,278 |
| $150,000 | $148,107 | $151,917 |
| $250,000 | $246,845 | $253,195 |
$50,000 origin salary
In Michigan$49,369
In Illinois$50,639
$75,000 origin salary
In Michigan$74,054
In Illinois$75,958
$100,000 origin salary
In Michigan$98,738
In Illinois$101,278
$150,000 origin salary
In Michigan$148,107
In Illinois$151,917
Housing gap
Illinois housing is 84.7; Michigan is 85.7.
Salary planning
$100,000 in Illinois is roughly $98,738 in Michigan.
Statewide averages
Indexes average participating urban areas. Local rents and wages can differ sharply inside either state.
Illinois vs Michigan cost of living FAQs
Michigan has the lower cost of living by 1.2 index points. The composite indexes are 95.1 in Illinois and 93.9 in Michigan (US average = 100).
About $98,738 in Michigan would provide similar statewide purchasing power to $100,000 in Illinois, based on the composite indexes.
About $101,278 in Illinois would provide similar statewide purchasing power to $100,000 in Michigan.
Housing indexes are 84.7 in Illinois and 85.7 in Michigan. Housing is often the largest driver, but groceries, utilities, transportation, health care, and other goods also matter.
No. These are statewide averages of participating urban areas. Your city, neighborhood, housing choice, family size, and spending mix can produce a very different personal cost of living.
Michigan has the lower average index, but wages, taxes, insurance, schools, and job opportunities should also be compared.
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Composite index, category costs, and equivalent-salary examples.
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Data period Q1 2026. Statewide urban-area averages; not personal budget calculations.