Illinois vs New Jersey: Which Is Better to Live In?
Illinois ranks #39 of 50 overall and New Jersey #28 as of the latest release. Illinois is cheaper to live in (cost of living index 100 vs 108.8), collects a similar share of income in taxes, and has a 23% higher violent crime rate. New Jersey scores higher overall, leading 6 of 11 categories to 3.
- Typical home value is 49% lower in Illinois ($297,573 vs. $580,353 in New Jersey).
- Violent crime rate is 23% lower in New Jersey (194 vs. 251 in Illinois).
- Residential electricity price is 22% lower in Illinois (17.69¢/kWh vs. 22.63¢/kWh in New Jersey).
| Measure | IllinoisIL | New JerseyNJ | GapIL−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall scorecomposite of 100, rank of 50Gap -7.4 pts | 47.6#39 of 50 · C | 55.0#28 of 50 · C+ | -7.4 pts | — | NJ |
| Cost of living indexUS = 100Gap -8.8 pts (-8%) · US 100 | 100#33 of 50 | 108.8#48 of 50 | -8.8 pts-8% | 100 | IL |
| Left after costs, family of fourearning $75K a yearGap +$19,970 · US -$11,758 | -$23,834#35 of 50 | -$43,804#46 of 50 | +$19,970 | -$11,758 | IL |
| Typical home valuetypical home, modeled estimateGap -$282,780 (-49%) · US $368,697 | $297,573#17 of 50 | $580,353#46 of 50 | -$282,780-49% | $368,697 | IL |
| Total state and local tax burdenshare of incomeGap -0.08 pts · US 8.74% | 10.22%#44 of 50 | 10.3%#45 of 50 | -0.08 pts | 8.74% | Even |
| Violent crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap +57 (+30%) · US 328 | 251#20 of 50 | 194#6 of 50 | +57+30% | 328 | NJ |
| Median household incomeGap -$21,083 (-20%) · US $80,903 | $83,211#18 of 50 | $104,294#2 of 50 | -$21,083-20% | $80,903 | NJ |
| High school graduation rateGap +2.1 pts · US 85.62% | 87.3%#20 of 50 | 85.2%#31 of 50 | +2.1 pts | 85.62% | IL |
| Life expectancyGap -2.1 yrs · US 76.9 | 77.5#23 of 50 | 79.6#3 of 50 | -2.1 yrs | 76.9 | NJ |
| Net householdsIRS, householdsGap -9,239 · US -33 | -28,609#48 of 50 | -19,370#47 of 50 | -9,239 | -33 | NJ |
Cost of living index from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (US = 100). Left after costs from the America's Dashboard affordability engine for a family of four earning $75,000. Typical home value from Zillow Research. Tax burden from WalletHub. Violent crime from the FBI, per 100,000 residents. Income and graduation from the Census Bureau and NCES. Life expectancy from the CDC. Net households from IRS Statistics of Income. US column is the 50-state average or median.
Is Illinois or New Jersey better to live in?
New Jersey scores higher overall: 55 to 47.6 out of 100, #28 of 50 against #39. Illinois leads 3 of 11 categories, New Jersey leads 6, and 2 are within 3 points.
| Category | Weight | IllinoisIL | New JerseyNJ | Gap | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy15% of scoregap -9.6 | 15% | 39.8#37 · C | 49.4#22 · B | -9.6 pts | NJ |
| Safety12% of scoregap -8.4 | 12% | 73.4#22 · B | 81.8#7 · A | -8.4 pts | NJ |
| Health12% of scoregap -19.3 | 12% | 58.8#24 · B | 78.1#4 · A+ | -19.3 pts | NJ |
| Education12% of scoregap -8.9 | 12% | 65.9#13 · B+ | 74.8#5 · A+ | -8.9 pts | NJ |
| Affordability10% of scoregap +22.2 | 10% | 61.8#32 · C+ | 39.6#45 · D | +22.2 pts | IL |
| Fiscal Health8% of scoregap -11.3 | 8% | 21.9#50 · F | 33.2#49 · F | -11.3 pts | NJ |
| Growth7% of scoregap +0.3 | 7% | 20.0#45 · D | 19.7#46 · D | +0.3 pts | Even |
| Transportation7% of scoregap +8.3 | 7% | 54.2#17 · B+ | 45.9#36 · C | +8.3 pts | IL |
| Livability7% of scoregap +5.7 | 7% | 31.4#28 · C+ | 25.7#39 · C | +5.7 pts | IL |
| Outdoor Access6% of scoregap -0.7 | 6% | 5.8#49 · F | 6.5#48 · D | -0.7 pts | Even |
| Environment4% of scoregap -6.4 | 4% | 31.0#39 · C | 37.4#31 · C+ | -6.4 pts | NJ |
Scores run 0 to 100 within each category; weight is the category's share of the composite. Grades follow rank (1–5 A+, 6–10 A, 11–18 B+, 19–26 B, 27–34 C+, 35–42 C, 43–48 D, 49–50 F). Methodology →
Is Illinois cheaper than New Jersey?
Illinois is cheaper: cost of living index 100 vs 108.8 in New Jersey (US = 100). A family of four earning $75,000 keeps $19,970 more a year in Illinois after housing, childcare, utilities, groceries, transportation and taxes.
| Measure | IllinoisIL | New JerseyNJ | GapIL−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexUS = 100Gap -8.8 pts (-8%) · US 100 | 100#33 of 50 | 108.8#48 of 50 | -8.8 pts-8% | 100 | IL |
| Price level for goodsUS = 100Gap -3.3 pts (-3%) · US 100 | 103.8#43 of 50 | 107.1#48 of 50 | -3.3 pts-3% | 100 | IL |
| Residential electricity priceGap -4.94¢ (-22%) · US 17.84¢/kWh | 17.69¢/kWh#35 of 50 | 22.63¢/kWh#40 of 50 | -4.94¢-22% | 17.84¢/kWh | IL |
| Residential natural gas priceGap -$2.96 (-21%) · US $15.83/Mcf | $11.25/Mcf#12 of 50 | $14.21/Mcf#22 of 50 | -$2.96-21% | $15.83/Mcf | IL |
| Gasoline priceGap -$0.02 (-1%) · US $3.32/gal | $3.18/gal#24 of 50 | $3.20/gal#25 of 50 | -$0.02-1% | $3.32/gal | Even |
| Center-based infant care, per yearGap +$1,624 (+9%) · US $15,633 | $19,601#39 of 50 | $17,977#35 of 50 | +$1,624+9% | $15,633 | NJ |
Cost of living index and the price level for goods from the Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (US = 100). Electricity, natural gas and gasoline prices from the EIA; center-based infant care from Child Care Aware of America. Lower is ahead.
| Measure | IllinoisIL | New JerseyNJ | GapIL−NJ | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Adultearning $75,000Gap +$14,014 | +$30,341costs $44,659 | +$16,327costs $58,674 | +$14,014 | IL |
| Couple, No Kidsearning $75,000Gap +$17,976 | +$21,123costs $53,877 | +$3,147costs $71,854 | +$17,976 | IL |
| Family of 4earning $75,000Gap +$19,970 | -$23,834costs $98,834 | -$43,804costs $118,804 | +$19,970 | IL |
| Retiree Coupleearning $75,000Gap +$15,515 | +$34,016costs $40,985 | +$18,501costs $56,499 | +$15,515 | IL |
Income left after housing, childcare, utilities, groceries, transportation and state and local taxes for four household types earning $75,000, from the affordability engine. Negative means typical costs exceed take-home pay.
| Measure | IllinoisIL | New JerseyNJ | GapIL−NJ | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HousingGap -$24,402 | $24,335 | $48,737 | -$24,402 | IL |
| ChildcareGap +$3,248 | $39,202 | $35,954 | +$3,248 | NJ |
| UtilitiesGap -$422 | $4,800 | $5,222 | -$422 | Even |
| GroceriesGap -$372 | $11,691 | $12,063 | -$372 | Even |
| TransportationGap -$63 | $9,994 | $10,057 | -$63 | Even |
| State and local taxesGap +$2,041 | $8,812 | $6,771 | +$2,041 | NJ |
Annual cost lines for a family of four (two adults, two children). Lower is ahead.
Which has lower taxes, Illinois or New Jersey?
Illinois and New Jersey collect a similar share of income in state and local taxes: 10.22% vs 10.3%. Illinois has high property tax, high sales tax, with income tax in the middle of the pack; New Jersey has high income tax, high property tax, with sales tax in the middle of the pack.
| Measure | IllinoisIL | New JerseyNJ | GapIL−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total state and local tax burdenshare of incomeGap -0.08 pts · US 8.74% | 10.22%#44 of 50 | 10.3%#45 of 50 | -0.08 pts | 8.74% | Even |
| Top state income tax ratetop rateGap -6.8 pts · US 5.46% | 4.95%#22 of 50 | 11.75%#47 of 50 | -6.8 pts | 5.46% | IL |
| Effective property tax rateeffective rateGap -0.22 pts · US 1.02% | 2.11%#49 of 50 | 2.33%#50 of 50 | -0.22 pts | 1.02% | Even |
| Combined state and local sales taxstate + localGap +2.36 pts · US 6.66% | 8.96%#43 of 50 | 6.6%#21 of 50 | +2.36 pts | 6.66% | NJ |
Total tax burden (state and local taxes as a share of personal income) from WalletHub; top marginal income tax rate, effective property tax rate and combined state and local sales tax from the Tax Foundation. Lower is ahead.
Are homes more expensive in Illinois or New Jersey?
Homes cost 95% more in New Jersey: a typical home value of $297,573 in Illinois vs $580,353 in New Jersey. Buying the typical home takes about $93,442 of income in Illinois and $167,639 in New Jersey; the median household earns $83,211 and $104,294.
| Measure | IllinoisIL | New JerseyNJ | GapIL−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical home valuetypical home, modeled estimateGap -$282,780 (-49%) · US $368,697 | $297,573#17 of 50 | $580,353#46 of 50 | -$282,780-49% | $368,697 | IL |
| Home value change, one yearGap +1.4 pts · US +1.2% | +5.3%#3 of 50 | +3.9%#8 of 50 | +1.4 pts | +1.2% | IL |
| Typical rent, largest metrolargest metro, per monthGap -$303 (-12%) · US $1,948 | $2,210#40 of 50 | $2,513#45 of 50 | -$303-12% | $1,948 | IL |
| Income needed to buyto buy the typical homeGap -$74,197 (-44%) · US $100,006 | $93,442#24 of 50 | $167,639#47 of 50 | -$74,197-44% | $100,006 | IL |
| Home value to income ratioGap -2x (-36%) · US 4.6x | 3.6x#9 of 50 | 5.6x#41 of 50 | -2x-36% | 4.6x | IL |
Typical home value, one-year change, largest-metro rent and income needed to buy from Zillow Research (a modeled estimate, not a median). Price-to-income ratio divides that typical home value by ACS median household income. Lower is ahead.
| IL | NJ | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly payment, 20% down | $1,531 | $2,986 |
| Income needed vs. median | +12% | +61% |
| Five-year change | +29.1% | +35.4% |
| Market temperature | Warm | Warm |
| Largest metro | Chicago | Trenton |
Income needed vs. median: how far the income required to buy the typical home sits above (+) or below (−) the state's median household income. Temperature blends price cuts, days to pending and inventory against the national market (Zillow).
Do people earn more in Illinois or New Jersey?
New Jersey pays more: median household income $104,294 vs $83,211, with unemployment at 4.6% in Illinois and 5.2% in New Jersey.
| Measure | IllinoisIL | New JerseyNJ | GapIL−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeGap -$21,083 (-20%) · US $80,903 | $83,211#18 of 50 | $104,294#2 of 50 | -$21,083-20% | $80,903 | NJ |
| Unemployment rateGap -0.6 pts · US 3.95% | 4.6%#41 of 50 | 5.2%#46 of 50 | -0.6 pts | 3.95% | IL |
| GDP per capitaGap +$333 (0%) · US $64,333 | $74,153#8 of 50 | $73,820#9 of 50 | +$3330% | $64,333 | Even |
| Real GDP growthGap -0.4 pts · US +1.91% | +1.6%#33 of 50 | +2%#24 of 50 | -0.4 pts | +1.91% | Even |
| Population growthGap -0.31 pts · US +0.51% | +0.13%#41 of 50 | +0.44%#26 of 50 | -0.31 pts | +0.51% | Even |
Median household income from the Census Bureau ACS; unemployment from BLS LAUS; GDP per capita and real GDP growth from the BEA; population growth from Census Bureau estimates.
Is Illinois safer than New Jersey?
New Jersey is safer: 194 violent crimes per 100,000 residents vs 251 in Illinois (FBI). Property crime runs 1,508 and 1,250 per 100,000.
| Measure | IllinoisIL | New JerseyNJ | GapIL−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap +57 (+30%) · US 328 | 251#20 of 50 | 194#6 of 50 | +57+30% | 328 | NJ |
| Property crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap +258 (+21%) · US 1,535 | 1,508#28 of 50 | 1,250#12 of 50 | +258+21% | 1,535 | NJ |
FBI state crime estimates, offenses per 100,000 residents, latest release. Florida and North Dakota use the FBI's prior-year estimate because the latest year is based on limited data. Lower is ahead.
- Orland Park, IL9 violent per 100K
- Clifton, NJ166 violent per 100K
Among each state's 20 tracked cities, latest FBI release.
Which has better schools and health, Illinois or New Jersey?
New Jersey scores higher for education (#5 of 50 vs #13), with high school graduation rates of 87.3% and 85.2%. New Jersey scores higher for health (#4 vs #24); life expectancy is 77.5 years in Illinois and 79.6 in New Jersey.
| Measure | IllinoisIL | New JerseyNJ | GapIL−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NAEP math score, grade 8Gap -4 · US 273 | 277#16 of 50 | 282#5 of 50 | -4 | 273 | Even |
| NAEP reading score, grade 8Gap -4 · US 257 | 262#7 of 50 | 266#2 of 50 | -4 | 257 | Even |
| High school graduation rateGap +2.1 pts · US 85.62% | 87.3%#20 of 50 | 85.2%#31 of 50 | +2.1 pts | 85.62% | IL |
| Life expectancyGap -2.1 yrs · US 76.9 | 77.5#23 of 50 | 79.6#3 of 50 | -2.1 yrs | 76.9 | NJ |
| Adults with obesityGap +6.5 pts · US 34.03% | 34.2%#25 of 50 | 27.7%#4 of 50 | +6.5 pts | 34.03% | NJ |
| Residents without health insuranceGap -0.8 pts · US 7.6% | 6.9%#24 of 50 | 7.7%#27 of 50 | -0.8 pts | 7.6% | IL |
| Median air quality indexmedian AQI, lower is cleanerGap +3 pts (+8%) · US 38.8 | 43#42 of 50 | 40#24 of 50 | +3 pts+8% | 38.8 | NJ |
High school graduation rate from NCES; life expectancy from the CDC National Center for Health Statistics; median air quality index from EPA AirData (lower is cleaner).
- No city school data
- Hoboken, NJeducation score 95.5
City education scores blend graduation rate, student-teacher ratio and per-pupil spending (NCES). State education scores combine NAEP math and reading with the graduation rate; health scores combine life expectancy, adult obesity and the uninsured rate. Education: Illinois #13, New Jersey #5. Health: Illinois #24, New Jersey #4.
Are more people moving from Illinois to New Jersey, or from New Jersey to Illinois?
The Census Bureau's American Community Survey counts 2,836 people (±1,283) moving from Illinois to New Jersey and 2,490 (±788) the other way, a gap inside the margin of error, so the flows are roughly balanced.
Bars show people (Census ACS, latest release, with 90% margins of error). IRS counts tax-filing households and reports the movers' average income; pairs outside a state's top ten origins and destinations are not published.
| Measure | IllinoisIL | New JerseyNJ | GapIL−NJ | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Households moving inIRSGap +9,644 (+9%) | 117,297#12 of 50 | 107,653#14 of 50 | +9,644+9% | IL |
| Households moving outIRSGap +18,883 (+15%) | 145,906#46 of 50 | 127,023#41 of 50 | +18,883+15% | NJ |
| Net householdsIRS, householdsGap -9,239 | -28,609#48 of 50 | -19,370#47 of 50 | -9,239 | NJ |
| Net households per 1,000 residentsIRS, per 1,000 residentsGap -0.2 | -2.2#47 of 50 | -2.0#44 of 50 | -0.2 | Even |
| Average income of arriving householdsIRSGap -$23,370 (-23%) | $78,820#26 of 50 | $102,190#4 of 50 | -$23,370-23% | NJ |
| Average income of departing householdsIRSGap -$2,284 (-2%) | $104,443#5 of 50 | $106,727#3 of 50 | -$2,284-2% | Even |
| Net domestic migration per 1,000 residentsCensus, per 1,000 residentsGap +0.8 | -3.1#43 of 50 | -3.9#45 of 50 | +0.8 | IL |
Each state's total inbound and outbound households and the movers' average income from IRS Statistics of Income; net domestic migration per 1,000 residents from Census Bureau population estimates. Latest releases.
Which is better for retirees, families or remote workers, Illinois or New Jersey?
New Jersey is the better fit for retirees and outdoor enthusiasts; 4 of the six lifestyle indexes are within 4 places. Each index re-weights the same 11 category scores for one kind of household.
| Measure | IllinoisIL | New JerseyNJ | GapIL−NJ | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FamiliesGap +3 places | #23score 66.1 | #20score 69.6 | +3 places | Even |
| RetireesGap +4 places | #47score 46.6 | #43score 52.6 | +4 places | NJ |
| Remote WorkersGap -1 places | #48score 31.9 | #49score 29.7 | -1 places | Even |
| Young ProfessionalsGap -1 places | #42score 41.6 | #43score 41.3 | -1 places | Even |
| Small BusinessGap +2 places | #48score 30.3 | #46score 36.8 | +2 places | Even |
| Outdoor EnthusiastsGap +4 places | #39score 29.9 | #35score 34.3 | +4 places | NJ |
Rank of 50 on each lifestyle index. A state is called ahead when the ranks are at least 4 places apart.
- FamiliesEven (#23 vs #20)
- RetireesNew Jersey (#43 vs #47)
- Remote WorkersEven (#48 vs #49)
- Young ProfessionalsEven (#42 vs #43)
- Small BusinessEven (#48 vs #46)
- Outdoor EnthusiastsNew Jersey (#35 vs #39)
Which cities stand out in Illinois and New Jersey?
Illinois has 29 tracked cities and New Jersey has 20; the largest are Chicago and Newark. The table picks the best city in each state for one purpose at a time.
| Best for | IllinoisIL | New JerseyNJ |
|---|---|---|
| Largest citypopulation | Chicago2,711,226 people | Newark310,178 people |
| Highest composite scorecomposite score | Napervillescore 73.2 | Hobokenscore 74.2 |
| Safest cityviolent crime per 100,000 | Orland Park9 violent per 100K | Clifton166 violent per 100K |
| Cheapest citycost of living index | Decaturcost index 88.4 | Vinelandcost index 96 |
| Most walkableEPA walkability index, 1 to 20 | Skokiewalkability 16 of 20 | Union Citywalkability 15.5 of 20 |
| Cleanest airmedian air quality index, county | Waukegancounty median AQI 39 | New Brunswickcounty median AQI 36 |
| Best schoolsgraduation rate, % | — | Hoboken95.5% graduation rate |
| Richest citymedian household income | Napervillemedian income $155,105 | Hobokenmedian income $180,579 |
| Fastest growingpopulation growth, % | Wheaton+1.3% growth | Newark+1.1% growth |
Among the 20 tracked cities in each state. Census ACS, FBI, NCES and BEA data, latest releases.
How do Illinois and New Jersey compare on everything else?
State finances, environment, and getting around. Illinois carries BBB+ credit rating and New Jersey A+.
Show fiscal, environment and commuting tables
| Measure | IllinoisIL | New JerseyNJ | GapIL−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renewable share of electricityGap +12 pts · US 29.34% | 20%#24 of 50 | 8%#42 of 50 | +12 pts | 29.34% | IL |
| FEMA natural disaster risk indexFEMA index, lower is saferGap +14.6 (+88%) · US 29.6 | 31.2#29 of 50 | 16.6#14 of 50 | +14.6+88% | 29.6 | NJ |
| Public land shareGap -4.9 pts · US 17.16% | 2.4%#42 of 50 | 7.3%#26 of 50 | -4.9 pts | 17.16% | NJ |
| Mean travel time to workGap -3.6 min · US 25.2 min | 28.3 min#43 of 50 | 31.9 min#48 of 50 | -3.6 min | 25.2 min | IL |
| Commuters using public transitGap -2.7 pts · US 2.29% | 7%#4 of 50 | 9.7%#2 of 50 | -2.7 pts | 2.29% | NJ |
| Workers working from homeGap +0.1 pts · US 12.28% | 13.6%#18 of 50 | 13.5%#19 of 50 | +0.1 pts | 12.28% | Even |
| Households with a broadband subscriptionGap -1.9 pts · US 92.67% | 92.9%#24 of 50 | 94.8%#6 of 50 | -1.9 pts | 92.67% | NJ |
Renewable share of electricity from the EIA; natural disaster risk from FEMA's National Risk Index; public land share from USGS PAD-US; mean travel time to work, transit and work-from-home shares from the Census Bureau ACS; households with a broadband subscription from the Census Bureau ACS.
| Measure | IllinoisIL | New JerseyNJ | GapIL−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit ratingindex, 100 = AAAGap -15 pts · US 92.7 | 65#50 of 50 | 80#48 of 50 | -15 pts | 92.7 | NJ |
| Rainy-day fund, share of spendingGap -4.3 pts · US 12.39% | 0.9%#50 of 50 | 5.2%#45 of 50 | -4.3 pts | 12.39% | NJ |
| Pension funded ratioGap -10 pts · US 74.3% | 45%#50 of 50 | 55%#47 of 50 | -10 pts | 74.3% | NJ |
| State debt per capitaGap -$1,590 (-19%) · US $3,506 | $6,750#46 of 50 | $8,340#48 of 50 | -$1,590-19% | $3,506 | IL |
| Budget balance, share of spendingGap -2.9 pts · US +4.66% | -2.1%#49 of 50 | +0.8%#47 of 50 | -2.9 pts | +4.66% | NJ |
Credit rating index (S&P / Moody's; Illinois BBB+, New Jersey A+), rainy-day fund and budget balance as a share of spending (Pew, NASBO), pension funded ratio (Pew) and state debt per capita (Census Bureau).
Illinois vs New Jersey: every metric side by side
Every measure behind the category scores, with each state's rank of 50 and the US figure. Illinois is ahead on 20 of 51, New Jersey on 18, and 13 are even.
Show all 54 metrics
| Measure | IllinoisIL | New JerseyNJ | GapIL−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PopulationGap +3,170,926 (+33%) · US 6.8 million | 12.7 million#6 of 50 | 9.5 million#11 of 50 | +3,170,926+33% | 6.8 million | IL |
| Median household incomeGap -$21,083 (-20%) · US $80,903 | $83,211#18 of 50 | $104,294#2 of 50 | -$21,083-20% | $80,903 | NJ |
| Unemployment rateGap -0.6 pts · US 3.95% | 4.6%#41 of 50 | 5.2%#46 of 50 | -0.6 pts | 3.95% | IL |
| Population growthGap -0.31 pts · US +0.51% | +0.13%#41 of 50 | +0.44%#26 of 50 | -0.31 pts | +0.51% | Even |
| GDP per capitaGap +$333 (0%) · US $64,333 | $74,153#8 of 50 | $73,820#9 of 50 | +$3330% | $64,333 | Even |
| Real GDP growthGap -0.4 pts · US +1.91% | +1.6%#33 of 50 | +2%#24 of 50 | -0.4 pts | +1.91% | Even |
| Violent crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap +57 (+30%) · US 328 | 251#20 of 50 | 194#6 of 50 | +57+30% | 328 | NJ |
| Property crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap +258 (+21%) · US 1,535 | 1,508#28 of 50 | 1,250#12 of 50 | +258+21% | 1,535 | NJ |
| High school graduation rateGap +2.1 pts · US 85.62% | 87.3%#20 of 50 | 85.2%#31 of 50 | +2.1 pts | 85.62% | IL |
| NAEP math score, grade 4Gap -4 · US 237 | 236#33 of 50 | 240#10 of 50 | -4 | 237 | Even |
| NAEP math score, grade 8Gap -4 · US 273 | 277#16 of 50 | 282#5 of 50 | -4 | 273 | Even |
| NAEP reading score, grade 4Gap -7 · US 214 | 214#29 of 50 | 222#3 of 50 | -7 | 214 | Even |
| NAEP reading score, grade 8Gap -4 · US 257 | 262#7 of 50 | 266#2 of 50 | -4 | 257 | Even |
| Life expectancyGap -2.1 yrs · US 76.9 | 77.5#23 of 50 | 79.6#3 of 50 | -2.1 yrs | 76.9 | NJ |
| Adults with obesityGap +6.5 pts · US 34.03% | 34.2%#25 of 50 | 27.7%#4 of 50 | +6.5 pts | 34.03% | NJ |
| Residents without health insuranceGap -0.8 pts · US 7.6% | 6.9%#24 of 50 | 7.7%#27 of 50 | -0.8 pts | 7.6% | IL |
| Typical home valuetypical home, modeled estimateGap -$282,780 (-49%) · US $368,697 | $297,573#17 of 50 | $580,353#46 of 50 | -$282,780-49% | $368,697 | IL |
| Home value change, one yearGap +1.4 pts · US +1.2% | +5.3%#3 of 50 | +3.9%#8 of 50 | +1.4 pts | +1.2% | IL |
| Typical rent, largest metrolargest metro, per monthGap -$303 (-12%) · US $1,948 | $2,210#40 of 50 | $2,513#45 of 50 | -$303-12% | $1,948 | IL |
| Income needed to buyto buy the typical homeGap -$74,197 (-44%) · US $100,006 | $93,442#24 of 50 | $167,639#47 of 50 | -$74,197-44% | $100,006 | IL |
| Cost of living indexUS = 100Gap -8.8 pts (-8%) · US 100 | 100#33 of 50 | 108.8#48 of 50 | -8.8 pts-8% | 100 | IL |
| Home value to income ratioGap -2x (-36%) · US 4.6x | 3.6x#9 of 50 | 5.6x#41 of 50 | -2x-36% | 4.6x | IL |
| Residential electricity priceGap -4.94¢ (-22%) · US 17.84¢/kWh | 17.69¢/kWh#35 of 50 | 22.63¢/kWh#40 of 50 | -4.94¢-22% | 17.84¢/kWh | IL |
| Residential natural gas priceGap -$2.96 (-21%) · US $15.83/Mcf | $11.25/Mcf#12 of 50 | $14.21/Mcf#22 of 50 | -$2.96-21% | $15.83/Mcf | IL |
| Gasoline priceGap -$0.02 (-1%) · US $3.32/gal | $3.18/gal#24 of 50 | $3.20/gal#25 of 50 | -$0.02-1% | $3.32/gal | Even |
| Price level for goodsUS = 100Gap -3.3 pts (-3%) · US 100 | 103.8#43 of 50 | 107.1#48 of 50 | -3.3 pts-3% | 100 | IL |
| Center-based infant care, per yearGap +$1,624 (+9%) · US $15,633 | $19,601#39 of 50 | $17,977#35 of 50 | +$1,624+9% | $15,633 | NJ |
| Total state and local tax burdenshare of incomeGap -0.08 pts · US 8.74% | 10.22%#44 of 50 | 10.3%#45 of 50 | -0.08 pts | 8.74% | Even |
| Top state income tax ratetop rateGap -6.8 pts · US 5.46% | 4.95%#22 of 50 | 11.75%#47 of 50 | -6.8 pts | 5.46% | IL |
| Effective property tax rateeffective rateGap -0.22 pts · US 1.02% | 2.11%#49 of 50 | 2.33%#50 of 50 | -0.22 pts | 1.02% | Even |
| Combined state and local sales taxstate + localGap +2.36 pts · US 6.66% | 8.96%#43 of 50 | 6.6%#21 of 50 | +2.36 pts | 6.66% | NJ |
| Credit ratingindex, 100 = AAAGap -15 pts · US 92.7 | 65#50 of 50 | 80#48 of 50 | -15 pts | 92.7 | NJ |
| Rainy-day fund, share of spendingGap -4.3 pts · US 12.39% | 0.9%#50 of 50 | 5.2%#45 of 50 | -4.3 pts | 12.39% | NJ |
| Pension funded ratioGap -10 pts · US 74.3% | 45%#50 of 50 | 55%#47 of 50 | -10 pts | 74.3% | NJ |
| State debt per capitaGap -$1,590 (-19%) · US $3,506 | $6,750#46 of 50 | $8,340#48 of 50 | -$1,590-19% | $3,506 | IL |
| Budget balance, share of spendingGap -2.9 pts · US +4.66% | -2.1%#49 of 50 | +0.8%#47 of 50 | -2.9 pts | +4.66% | NJ |
| Median air quality indexmedian AQI, lower is cleanerGap +3 pts (+8%) · US 38.8 | 43#42 of 50 | 40#24 of 50 | +3 pts+8% | 38.8 | NJ |
| Renewable share of electricityGap +12 pts · US 29.34% | 20%#24 of 50 | 8%#42 of 50 | +12 pts | 29.34% | IL |
| FEMA natural disaster risk indexFEMA index, lower is saferGap +14.6 (+88%) · US 29.6 | 31.2#29 of 50 | 16.6#14 of 50 | +14.6+88% | 29.6 | NJ |
| Public land shareGap -4.9 pts · US 17.16% | 2.4%#42 of 50 | 7.3%#26 of 50 | -4.9 pts | 17.16% | NJ |
| Mean travel time to workGap -3.6 min · US 25.2 min | 28.3 min#43 of 50 | 31.9 min#48 of 50 | -3.6 min | 25.2 min | IL |
| Commuters using public transitGap -2.7 pts · US 2.29% | 7%#4 of 50 | 9.7%#2 of 50 | -2.7 pts | 2.29% | NJ |
| Workers working from homeGap +0.1 pts · US 12.28% | 13.6%#18 of 50 | 13.5%#19 of 50 | +0.1 pts | 12.28% | Even |
| Households with a broadband subscriptionGap -1.9 pts · US 92.67% | 92.9%#24 of 50 | 94.8%#6 of 50 | -1.9 pts | 92.67% | NJ |
| Households moving inIRSGap +9,644 (+9%) · US 78,682 | 117,297#12 of 50 | 107,653#14 of 50 | +9,644+9% | 78,682 | IL |
| Households moving outIRSGap +18,883 (+15%) · US 78,715 | 145,906#46 of 50 | 127,023#41 of 50 | +18,883+15% | 78,715 | NJ |
| Net householdsIRS, householdsGap -9,239 · US -33 | -28,609#48 of 50 | -19,370#47 of 50 | -9,239 | -33 | NJ |
| Net households per 1,000 residentsIRS, per 1,000 residentsGap -0.2 · US +0.4 | -2.2#47 of 50 | -2.0#44 of 50 | -0.2 | +0.4 | Even |
| Average income of arriving householdsIRSGap -$23,370 (-23%) · US $77,690 | $78,820#26 of 50 | $102,190#4 of 50 | -$23,370-23% | $77,690 | NJ |
| Average income of departing householdsIRSGap -$2,284 (-2%) · US $77,024 | $104,443#5 of 50 | $106,727#3 of 50 | -$2,284-2% | $77,024 | Even |
| Net domestic migration per 1,000 residentsCensus, per 1,000 residentsGap +0.8 · US +1.1 | -3.1#43 of 50 | -3.9#45 of 50 | +0.8 | +1.1 | IL |
| Left after costs, family of fourearning $75K a yearGap +$19,970 · US -$11,758 | -$23,834#35 of 50 | -$43,804#46 of 50 | +$19,970 | -$11,758 | IL |
| Left after costs, single adultearning $75K a yearGap +$14,014 · US +$31,418 | +$30,341#27 of 50 | +$16,327#47 of 50 | +$14,014 | +$31,418 | IL |
| Left after costs, retiree coupleearning $75K a yearGap +$15,515 · US +$35,970 | +$34,016#28 of 50 | +$18,501#47 of 50 | +$15,515 | +$35,970 | IL |
Every metric in the registry, direction-aware: ahead means better for a resident. Ranks are among the states with data. Sources are listed at the foot of the page.
Key takeaways
What the Illinois and New Jersey numbers say when read together.
New Jersey ranks higher overall
New Jersey leads 6 of the 11 categories to Illinois's 3, with 2 even; Illinois is ahead on affordability and transportation. Across all 51 measures with data on both sides, Illinois is ahead on 20 and New Jersey on 18.
Illinois is cheaper day to day
Illinois's cost of living index is 100 against 108.8 in New Jersey (US = 100). The typical home costs $297,573 in Illinois and $580,353 in New Jersey. A family of four on $75,000 keeps -$23,834 a year after typical costs in Illinois and -$43,804 in New Jersey.
Tax burdens are close
Illinois collects 10.22% of income in state and local taxes (high property tax, high sales tax, with income tax in the middle of the pack); New Jersey collects 10.3% (high income tax, high property tax, with sales tax in the middle of the pack).
New Jersey pays more and is safer
Median household income is $83,211 in Illinois and $104,294 in New Jersey, with unemployment at 4.6% and 5.2%. Violent crime runs 251 per 100,000 residents in Illinois and 194 in New Jersey.
Moves between the two run about even
2,836 people moved from Illinois to New Jersey and 2,490 the other way, a gap inside the survey's margin of error.
New Jersey is the better fit for retirees
For families, Illinois ranks #23 of 50 and New Jersey #20; for retirees, Illinois ranks #47 and New Jersey #43.
Illinois vs New Jersey: frequently asked questions
Is Illinois or New Jersey better to live in?
Illinois ranks #39 of 50 overall and New Jersey #28 as of the latest release. Illinois is cheaper to live in (cost of living index 100 vs 108.8), collects a similar share of income in taxes, and has a 23% higher violent crime rate. New Jersey scores higher overall, leading 6 of 11 categories to 3.
Is Illinois cheaper than New Jersey?
Illinois is cheaper than New Jersey: cost of living index 100 vs 108.8 (US = 100). A family of four earning $75,000 would have -$23,834 left after typical housing, childcare, utilities, groceries, transportation and taxes in Illinois, and -$43,804 in New Jersey. The typical home value is $297,573 in Illinois and $580,353 in New Jersey.
Which has lower taxes, Illinois or New Jersey?
Illinois and New Jersey have similar tax burdens: 10.22% vs 10.3% of income in state and local taxes. Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95%, its effective property tax rate 2.11% and its combined sales tax 8.96%; New Jersey's are 11.75%, 2.33% and 6.6%.
Is Illinois safer than New Jersey?
New Jersey is safer: 194 violent crimes per 100,000 residents vs 251 in Illinois, per the FBI. Illinois ranks #20 of 50 for violent crime and New Jersey #6. Property crime is 1,508 per 100,000 in Illinois and 1,250 in New Jersey. The safest tracked cities are Orland Park, IL, and Clifton, NJ.
Are homes more expensive in Illinois or New Jersey?
Homes are 95% more expensive in New Jersey: the typical home value is $297,573 in Illinois and $580,353 in New Jersey. Buying the typical home takes about $93,442 of household income in Illinois and $167,639 in New Jersey, against median incomes of $83,211 and $104,294.
Do people earn more in Illinois or New Jersey?
New Jersey pays more: median household income is $104,294 vs $83,211 in Illinois, per the Census Bureau. Unemployment is 4.6% in Illinois and 5.2% in New Jersey.
Are more people moving from Illinois to New Jersey or from New Jersey to Illinois?
The Census Bureau's American Community Survey counts 2,836 people (±1,283) moving from Illinois to New Jersey and 2,490 (±788) the other way, a gap inside the margin of error, so the flows are roughly balanced.
Which is better for retirees, Illinois or New Jersey?
New Jersey is the better fit for retirees: #43 of 50 on the retiree index vs #47 for Illinois. Illinois has high property tax, high sales tax, with income tax in the middle of the pack; New Jersey has high income tax, high property tax, with sales tax in the middle of the pack. A retiree couple on $75,000 would have +$34,016 left after typical costs in Illinois and +$18,501 in New Jersey.
Which is better for families, Illinois or New Jersey?
Illinois and New Jersey are close for families: #23 and #20 of 50 on the families index. Center-based infant care costs $19,601 a year in Illinois and $17,977 in New Jersey. High school graduation rates are 87.3% and 85.2%. A family of four on $75,000 keeps -$23,834 after typical costs in Illinois and -$43,804 in New Jersey.
Is New Jersey better than Illinois?
Yes: New Jersey ranks higher than Illinois overall, #28 of 50 vs #39, with a composite score of 55 to 47.6. New Jersey leads 6 of 11 categories and Illinois leads 3, including affordability and transportation. Which is better for you depends on how you weigh cost, safety, schools, taxes and pay.
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Why this pair is featured: most-searched matchup.