Illinois vs Ohio Taxes
Compare the total tax burden between Illinois (4.95% flat) and Ohio (0% – 2.75%). Enter your income to see which state saves you more.
| Tax Component | Illinois | Ohio |
|---|---|---|
| Federal tax | $13,170 | $13,170 |
| State tax | $4,805 | $2,313 |
| FICA | $7,650 | $7,650 |
| Total tax | $25,625 | $23,133 |
| Take-home | $74,375 | $76,867 |
| Effective rate | 25.63% | 23.13% |
| Annual Difference | $2,492 more | $2,492 less |
The $2,492 difference is primarily because Illinois has a flat 5.0% income tax, while Ohio has a progressive income tax with rates up to 3.1%. At your income level, Illinois's marginal rate is 5.0% vs Ohio's 2.8%.
Why the difference
You'd save $2,492/year ($208/month) in Ohio vs Illinois.
Tax structure
Illinois has a flat 5.0% state income tax, while Ohio uses progressive brackets up to 3.1%.
Effective rate at your income
At $100,000, Ohio's effective state rate is 2.3% vs 4.8% in Illinois — a 2.5 percentage point gap.
Ohio local taxes
Most Ohio cities levy a municipal income tax (typically 1%-3%) on top of state tax.
Tip: The flat 4.95% rate means your effective state tax rate is close to 4.95% regardless of income — no progressive bracket benefit. Property taxes in Cook County (Chicago) can be a large annual cost on a median-value home.
Tip: Ohio's exemption of the first $26,050 of income means very low effective state rates for modest earners. However, municipal income taxes (Cleveland and Columbus, for example) can add significantly — these are separate from state tax.
Illinois Total Tax
25.63% effective rate
Ohio Total Tax
23.13% effective rate
Annual savings
by living in Ohio
Tax at Different Income Levels
| Income | Illinois Total Tax | Ohio Total Tax | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $16,975 | $15,027 | Save $1,949 |
| $100,000 | $25,625 | $23,133 | Save $2,492 |
| $150,000 | $43,489 | $39,897 | Save $3,592 |
| $200,000 | $60,828 | $56,136 | Save $4,692 |
Based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 tax year. Includes federal income tax, state income tax, and FICA.
Why the difference
You'd save $2,492/year ($208/month) in Ohio vs Illinois.
Tax structure
Illinois has a flat 5.0% state income tax, while Ohio uses progressive brackets up to 3.1%.
Effective rate at your income
At $100,000, Ohio's effective state rate is 2.3% vs 4.8% in Illinois — a 2.5 percentage point gap.
Ohio local taxes
Most Ohio cities levy a municipal income tax (typically 1%-3%) on top of state tax.
Tip: The flat 4.95% rate means your effective state tax rate is close to 4.95% regardless of income — no progressive bracket benefit. Property taxes in Cook County (Chicago) can be a large annual cost on a median-value home.
Tip: Ohio's exemption of the first $26,050 of income means very low effective state rates for modest earners. However, municipal income taxes (Cleveland and Columbus, for example) can add significantly — these are separate from state tax.
Understanding Each State
Illinois
Illinois has a flat income tax rate of 4.95% on all taxable income. While the rate is moderate compared to states like California or New York, Illinois's high property taxes (average about 1.97% of home value, among the highest nationally) significantly increase the total tax burden, particularly for homeowners.
Tip: The flat 4.95% rate means your effective state tax rate is close to 4.95% regardless of income — no progressive bracket benefit. Property taxes in Cook County (Chicago) can be a large annual cost on a median-value home.
Ohio
Ohio has been flattening its income tax over several years: income under $26,050 is exempt, and income above it is taxed at up to 2.75% for 2026. Some Ohio cities levy their own municipal income tax on top of this (typically 1%-3%).
Tip: Ohio's exemption of the first $26,050 of income means very low effective state rates for modest earners. However, municipal income taxes (Cleveland and Columbus, for example) can add significantly — these are separate from state tax.
Key Comparison Points
Income tax structure: Illinois has a flat income tax (4.95% flat), while Ohio has a progressive income tax (0% – 2.75%).
Beyond income tax: State tax comparisons should also consider property tax rates, sales tax, and cost of living. A state with no income tax may have higher property or sales taxes that offset the savings.
SALT deduction cap: Under OBBBA, the 2026 federal SALT cap is $40,400, phasing out above $505,000 MAGI toward a $10,000 floor. This limits the federal tax benefit of living in a high-tax state, so the gross state tax difference remains close to the net difference for most earners — especially high earners inside the phaseout.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or Ohio?
Based on income tax alone, Ohio has a lower tax burden. At $100K income, you'd save $2,492 annually in Ohio compared to Illinois. However, total cost of living also depends on property taxes, sales taxes, and housing costs.
How much would I save moving from Illinois to Ohio?
A single filer earning $100,000 would save approximately $2,492 per year in total taxes by living in Ohio instead of Illinois. At $150,000 income, the savings change to $3,592 per year.
What is the income tax rate in Illinois?
Illinois has a flat income tax with rates of 4.95% flat.
What is the income tax rate in Ohio?
Ohio has a progressive income tax with rates of 0% – 2.75%.