Illinois
95.1
composite · rank #24
- Housing
- 84.7
- Grocery
- 99.2
- Utilities
- 102.6
Compare different states
Q1 2026
Q1 2026Illinois vs Ohio Cost of Living
Ohio has the lower cost of living by 1.4 index points. Compare category indexes and equivalent salaries in both directions.
By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2026
Lower cost of living
Ohio is lower
1.4 index points lower. A $100,000 lifestyle in Illinois is roughly $98,528 in Ohio.
Side-by-side cost of living scoreboard
Ohio
93.7
composite · rank #20
- Housing
- 86.3
- Grocery
- 98.9
- Utilities
- 100.9
Category-by-category comparison
| Category | Illinois | Ohio | Lower cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grocery | 99.2 | 98.9 | Ohio |
| Housing | 84.7 | 86.3 | Illinois |
| Utilities | 102.6 | 100.9 | Ohio |
| Transportation | 97 | 92.7 | Ohio |
| Health care | 103 | 96.5 | Ohio |
| Misc. goods & services | 98.9 | 96 | Ohio |
Grocery
Illinois99.2
Ohio98.9
Lower cost: Ohio
Housing
Illinois84.7
Ohio86.3
Lower cost: Illinois
Utilities
Illinois102.6
Ohio100.9
Lower cost: Ohio
Transportation
Illinois97
Ohio92.7
Lower cost: Ohio
Health care
Illinois103
Ohio96.5
Lower cost: Ohio
Misc. goods & services
Illinois98.9
Ohio96
Lower cost: Ohio
Equivalent salary examples
Salary needed in the destination state to match purchasing power in the origin state.
| Origin salary | Needed in Ohio | Needed in Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $49,264 | $50,747 |
| $75,000 | $73,896 | $76,121 |
| $100,000 | $98,528 | $101,494 |
| $150,000 | $147,792 | $152,241 |
| $250,000 | $246,320 | $253,735 |
$50,000 origin salary
In Ohio$49,264
In Illinois$50,747
$75,000 origin salary
In Ohio$73,896
In Illinois$76,121
$100,000 origin salary
In Ohio$98,528
In Illinois$101,494
$150,000 origin salary
In Ohio$147,792
In Illinois$152,241
Housing gap
Illinois housing is 84.7; Ohio is 86.3.
Salary planning
$100,000 in Illinois is roughly $98,528 in Ohio.
Statewide averages
Indexes average participating urban areas. Local rents and wages can differ sharply inside either state.
Illinois vs Ohio cost of living FAQs
Ohio has the lower cost of living by 1.4 index points. The composite indexes are 95.1 in Illinois and 93.7 in Ohio (US average = 100).
About $98,528 in Ohio would provide similar statewide purchasing power to $100,000 in Illinois, based on the composite indexes.
About $101,494 in Illinois would provide similar statewide purchasing power to $100,000 in Ohio.
Housing indexes are 84.7 in Illinois and 86.3 in Ohio. 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.
Ohio 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.