Illinois vs Texas: Take-Home Pay Compared
On a $100,000 salary you take home $74,375 in Illinois and $79,180 in Texas. That's $4,805 more per year ($400 a month) after moving to Texas.
| Illinois | Texas | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal income tax | $13,170 | $13,170 | $0 |
| Social Security + Medicare | $7,650 | $7,650 | $0 |
| State income tax | $4,805 | $0 | -$4,805 |
| State payroll & local tax | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Take-home pay / year | $74,375 | $79,180 | $4,805 |
| Take-home / month | $6,198 | $6,598 | $400 |
| Total tax rate | 25.6% | 20.8% | -4.8% |
To match your Illinois take-home pay, you would need about $93,200 in Texas.
Illinois vs Texas at every salary
Single filer, 2026 tax year, no pre-tax deductions. Difference is Texas minus Illinois.
| Salary | Illinois | Texas | Yearly difference | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $32,485 | $34,320 | $1,835 | $153 |
| $50,000 | $40,025 | $42,355 | $2,330 | $194 |
| $60,000 | $47,565 | $50,390 | $2,825 | $235 |
| $75,000 | $58,025 | $61,593 | $3,568 | $297 |
| $100,000 | $74,375 | $79,180 | $4,805 | $400 |
| $125,000 | $90,661 | $96,704 | $6,043 | $504 |
| $150,000 | $106,511 | $113,791 | $7,280 | $607 |
| $200,000 | $139,172 | $148,927 | $9,755 | $813 |
| $250,000 | $170,952 | $183,182 | $12,230 | $1,019 |
Why the difference?
Federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare are identical in both states, so the gap comes entirely from state-level taxes. Illinois has a flat 4.95% income tax, while Texas has no income tax on wages.
Income tax is only part of the picture: states without an income tax often rely more on sales and property taxes, and housing costs vary far more than taxes do. Use this comparison for your paycheck, then weigh it against rent or mortgage costs in the cities you are considering.
Commuting across the line instead of moving? Read how taxes work when you live in one state and work in another. See the full breakdowns in the Illinois paycheck calculator and the Texas paycheck calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is Texas cheaper than Illinois for taxes?
For wage earners, Texas takes less of your paycheck. On a $100,000 salary a single filer keeps $4,805 more per year in Texas than in Illinois ($400 per month). Illinois has a flat 4.95% income tax; Texas has no income tax on wages.
How much is $100,000 in Illinois worth in Texas?
To take home the same $74,375 you net on $100,000 in Illinois, you would need a salary of about $93,200 in Texas.
How much will I save moving from Illinois to Texas?
In income and payroll taxes, about $3,568 per year at $75,000, $4,805 at $100,000, and $7,280 at $150,000 (negative numbers mean you pay more in Texas). Sales, property, and housing costs are not included.