Illinois → Texas
How much could you save by moving from Illinois (4.95% flat) to Texas (no income tax)? See the full tax comparison below.
Tax Savings by Income Level
| Income | Illinois Total Tax | Texas Total Tax | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $16,619 | $13,687 | Save $2,933 |
| $100,000 | $25,269 | $21,099 | Save $4,170 |
| $150,000 | $43,187 | $36,542 | Save $6,645 |
| $200,000 | $60,006 | $50,885 | Save $9,120 |
Based on single filer, standard deduction, 2025 tax year. Includes federal income tax, state income tax, and FICA.
Why the difference
You'd save $4,170/year ($348/month) in Texas vs Illinois.
Tax structure
Illinois has a flat 5.0% state income tax, while Texas has no state income tax.
Effective rate at your income
At $100,000, Texas's effective state rate is 0.0% vs 4.2% in Illinois — a 4.2 percentage point gap.
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 exceed $6,000-$10,000 on a median-value home.
Tip: While you save on income tax, Texas property taxes can exceed $5,000-$10,000/year on a median-priced home. Factor in property tax when comparing total tax burden against income-tax states where property taxes may be lower.
Calculate your exact savings →
Enter your income, filing status, and home value for a personalized Illinois → Texas comparison.
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 ~2.08%, second-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 exceed $6,000-$10,000 on a median-value home.
Texas
Texas has no state income tax, relying instead on property taxes (among the highest in the US at ~1.6-1.8% of home value) and an 8.25% combined sales tax in most areas. For wage earners, the absence of income tax is a major advantage, but property owners face a significant ongoing cost.
Tip: While you save on income tax, Texas property taxes can exceed $5,000-$10,000/year on a median-priced home. Factor in property tax when comparing total tax burden against income-tax states where property taxes may be lower.
Related Resources
Frequently asked questions
How much can I save moving from Illinois to Texas?
At $100,000 income (single filer), you could save $4,170.38 per year in combined taxes by moving from Illinois to Texas. The actual savings depend on your income, filing status, and whether you own property.
Do I have to file taxes in Illinois if I move to Texas?
If you move mid-year, you may need to file a part-year resident return in Illinois and a part-year or full-year return in Texas. Establish your new domicile (driver's license, voter registration, etc.) to clearly document the move date.
What taxes should I compare besides income tax?
Beyond state income tax, compare property tax rates, sales tax, and any special taxes (e.g., estate tax, capital gains surtax). States with no income tax often have higher property or sales taxes that partially offset the savings.