Moving from Illinois to Florida — What It Really Costs
Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFFHousing difference
Median 1BR rent in Florida is $1,995/mo vs $1,581/mo in Illinois — a difference of $414/month ($4,968/year).
Salary difference — purchasing power
Your $70,000 in Illinois feels like approximately $83,071 in Florida — a purchasing power gain of 19%.
Tax difference
On a $70,000 salary, take-home in Florida is about $57,631/year vs $54,166/year in Illinois — a gain of $3,465/year from state income tax differences.
Breathing room comparison
Illinois
Florida
Should I move? The bottom line
Moving from Illinois to Florida changes your monthly housing by about $414 and your annual take-home by about $3,465. Overall, your money goes further — purchasing power rises about 19%.
This is a picture, not a verdict.
Moving Illinois → Florida — FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Florida?
Not on housing — median 1BR rent in Florida ($1,995/mo) is higher than in Illinois ($1,581/mo). Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.
How much do I need to earn in Florida?
To match the purchasing power of $70,000 in Illinois, you'd need roughly $83,071 in Florida, after housing and taxes. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR, Tax Foundation 2025.
What is the cost of living difference between Illinois and Florida?
Median 1BR rent differs by about $414/month, and take-home on a $70,000 salary differs by about $3,465/year due to state taxes. This is a picture, not a verdict.