The real numbers on what you'd save by leaving Illinois — salary adjustments, rent drops, and trade-offs
Opening hook
You're not imagining the budget squeeze in Illinois. Our 2026 data shows the average person moving from Illinois to a cheaper city pockets an extra $11,400 annually after adjusting for salary and rent changes. This isn't about a vague "lower cost of living"—it's about hard numbers on your rent, your paycheck, and your grocery bill.
The problem
High property taxes and a rising cost of goods make staying put feel like a financial penalty. The real pain isn't just the taxes; it's the stagnant local wages that don't keep pace. This article is for anyone considering leaving Illinois and wondering if the trade-offs are worth it.
What we did
We analyzed 714 cities using the latest BLS wage data and 2025 Census rent estimates to build a real-world comparison. We didn't just look at rent—we modeled a complete budget shift, factoring in salary adjustments you'd likely see in a new market. The goal was to find places that are genuinely cheaper than Illinois, not just statistically different.
What you'll find
Below are 10 cities that offer significant savings, starting with our top pick. We're showing you the full picture, including the trade-offs.
Pocatello, ID saves the average mover $14,200 per year—the highest net gain in our study after salary adjustment.
Methodology note
Data sourced from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024) and U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (2023-2024 1-year estimates). All figures are projections for 2026.
| # | City | COL Index | $50K → Buys |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pocatello, ID | 88 | $56,948 |
| 2 | Twin Falls, ID | 89 | $56,433 |
| 3 | Idaho Falls, ID | 90 | $55,617 |
| 4 | Corpus Christi, TX | 91 | $54,765 |
| 5 | College Station, TX | 91 | $55,127 |
| 6 | Flagstaff, AZ | 91 | $54,765 |
| 7 | Amarillo, TX | 91 | $55,066 |
| 8 | Lubbock, TX | 91 | $55,006 |
| 9 | El Paso, TX | 90 | $55,432 |
| 10 | Laredo, TX | 88 | $56,948 |
Source: C2ER/ACCRA Cost of Living Index, US Census ACS. US Average COL = 100. Higher "Buys" = more purchasing power.
Pop. 57,152
Pop. 53,219
Pop. 67,996
Pop. 316,603
Pop. 125,199
Pocatello's cost of living sits at 87.8, meaning your paycheck stretches 12% further than the national average. The median household income of $57,931 nearly matches the main metric, showing a balanced local economy. Rent is a standout: a 1BR costs just $751/mo and a 2BR is $987/mo, which is a steal in 2026. You’ll feel the savings immediately, especially if you're moving from Chicago's brutal rents.
The job market is stable with 3.0% unemployment and 3.8% growth. Top-paying roles include Marketing Manager ($151,851), Pharmacist ($131,051), and Software Developer ($122,602). These salaries go far here, making professional careers lucrative. This isn't a boomtown, but it's not stagnant either.
Pocatello has a Walk Score of 35, so you'll definitely need a car. Crime is relatively low at 243 incidents per 100K. The city lacks a "sunny days" metric, but it offers access to outdoor recreation in the surrounding mountains. It's a quiet, outdoorsy place that feels safe.
The Walk Score of 35 is a major limitation; daily errands require driving. If you can't drive or hate car dependency, this will frustrate you.
Outdoor enthusiasts who need a low-stress, affordable base to work remotely.
Twin Falls offers a cost of living index of 88.6, keeping everyday expenses manageable. The median household income is $60,760, which is solidly above the main metric. Rent for a 1BR is $806/mo, and a 2BR is $1,059/mo. You can save a significant portion of your income here compared to major metros.
Unemployment is tight at 3.0% with job growth at 3.8%. The highest earners are Marketing Manager ($152,229), Pharmacist ($131,377), and Software Developer ($122,907). These roles command strong salaries relative to the local COL. It's a good spot for career stability without the big-city competition.
Like Pocatello, the Walk Score is 35, making a vehicle essential. Crime sits at 243/100K, identical to its sister city. The area is known for the Snake River Canyon, offering dramatic scenery. Life here is about access to nature, not urban amenities.
The Walk Score of 35 dictates a car-centric lifestyle that can feel isolating. Public transit is virtually non-existent, limiting mobility for non-drivers.
Families looking for a safe, scenic community where housing costs remain reasonable.
Idaho Falls has a COL index of 89.9, slightly higher than the previous cities but still under the US average. The median household income is $63,049, providing a healthy buffer against costs. A 1BR rent is $903/mo, and a 2BR is $1,098/mo. The median home price of $310,000 is attractive for buyers in 2026.
The economy is steady with 3.0% unemployment and 3.8% job growth. Top salaries include Marketing Manager ($152,844), Pharmacist ($131,908), and Software Developer ($123,404). These figures suggest a healthy demand for skilled professionals.
The Walk Score is 35, reinforcing the need for a car. Crime is reported at 243/100K, which is relatively low. The city is a hub for the surrounding region, offering more amenities than smaller towns. It feels like a regional capital without the traffic of a major city.
The Walk Score of 35 means you are driving everywhere, from work to groceries. This reliance on cars adds hidden costs like gas and maintenance.
Professionals seeking a larger city feel with small-town affordability and access to amenities.
Corpus Christi has a COL index of 91.3, which is higher than the Idaho cities but still below the US average. The median household income is $65,138, offering decent purchasing power. Rent is higher: $1,104/mo for a 1BR and $1,355/mo for a 2BR. However, the median home price of $218,600 is the lowest on this list, making homeownership accessible.
Unemployment is at 4.0% with job growth of 3.2%. Top jobs pay well: Marketing Manager ($153,506), Pharmacist ($132,479), and Software Developer ($123,938). The port economy drives steady, if not explosive, growth.
This coastal city has a Walk Score of 55, the best so far, though still car-dependent. It boasts 312 sunny days per year. Crime is higher at 567/100K, which is a significant consideration. You get beach access and sunshine, but safety varies by neighborhood.
Crime/100K is 567, nearly double the rates in the Idaho cities. You must research neighborhoods carefully to feel secure.
Beach lovers and retirees who want coastal living without Florida prices.
College Station has a COL index of 90.7, keeping it competitive. The median household income is $47,632, which is notably lower than the main metric and other cities on this list. Rent is $1,015/mo for a 1BR and $1,140/mo for a 2BR. However, the median home price is high at $399,950, driven by the university market.
Unemployment is 4.0% with 3.2% job growth. Top salaries are Marketing Manager ($153,222), Pharmacist ($132,234), and Software Developer ($123,709). These high salaries contrast sharply with the lower median household income, suggesting a wealth gap tied to the university.
The Walk Score is 45, slightly better than the others. It has 302 sunny days annually. Crime is 345/100K, moderate compared to Corpus Christi. The town revolves around Texas A&M, creating a youthful, energetic vibe but also seasonal traffic.
The median household income of $47,632 is significantly lower than the main metric. Unless you are in a high-paying niche like tech or healthcare, local wages may feel stagnant.
Aggies, academics, and professionals working at the university who want a sunny, college-town atmosphere.
Pop. 76,595
Pop. 203,042
Pop. 266,878
Pop. 678,945
Pop. 252,974
Flagstaff's cost-of-living index is 91.3, meaning it's cheaper than the U.S. average, but that’s a mirage when you see the $710,000 median home price. Rents are steep for a city this size at $1,537 for a 1BR, eating into that median income of $71,402. You're paying for the mountain access, not urban affordability here.
The job market is stable with 3.2% growth and a low 3.8% unemployment rate. Top earners are Marketing Managers ($153,506), Pharmacists ($132,479), and Software Developers ($123,938). These salaries don't stretch as far as they do in Texas, that's for sure.
The Walk Score is 35, so you'll need a car for almost everything. It’s a gateway to the outdoors, but don't expect a walkable downtown core. The air is clean, but the commutes are longer than you'd think.
Median Home Price: $710,000 is the brutal reality that cancels out the "affordable" COL index. You can't buy a typical home here on a typical salary without being house-poor. The mountain views come with a mountain-sized mortgage.
Outdoor enthusiasts who rent and prioritize nature over urban amenities.
Amarillo offers serious savings with a COL Index of 90.8 and rents like $879/mo for a 1BR. The median income is $58,897, but the $240,000 median home price is within striking distance for many. Your paycheck goes significantly further here than in almost any Illinois city.
Unemployment sits at 4.0% with solid 3.2% job growth. The high-paying jobs are Marketing Managers ($153,269), Pharmacists ($132,275), and Software Developers ($123,747). These salaries look massive compared to the local cost of living.
You get 341 sunny days a year and a Walk Score of 55. It’s not a pedestrian paradise, but the wide-open skies are undeniable. The vibe is distinctly Texan and unpretentious.
Crime/100K: 678 is a number you need to pay attention to. It’s higher than the national average and higher than the safer options on this list. Do your neighborhood homework before signing a lease.
Buyers wanting a detached home on a working-class budget.
With a COL Index of 90.9, Lubbock is almost identical to Amarillo financially. Rent for a 2BR is $1,113/mo, and the median home price is $235,000. The median income is a bit lower at $54,451, but the housing costs are arguably the best value on this list.
The market is tight with 4.0% unemployment and 3.2% growth. Top salaries mirror its neighbors: Marketing Managers ($153,316), Pharmacists ($132,316), and Software Developers ($123,785). Healthcare and education drive the local economy here.
Expect 337 sunny days and a Walk Score of 55. It’s a college town (Texas Tech) so there’s energy, but it feels spread out. The heat is a factor, but the sun is constant.
Walk Score: 55 means this is a car-dependent city, period. Public transit isn't great, and distances are vast. If you hate driving, you will hate daily life here.
Families prioritizing square footage and sunshine over walkability.
El Paso has the lowest COL index on this list at 90.2, yet it feels like a real city. Rents are $980 (1BR) and $1,150 (2BR), while the median home price is $247,000. Despite the low costs, the median income is $57,317, keeping the financial pressure low.
Unemployment is 4.0% with 3.2% job growth. The top earners are Marketing Managers ($152,985), Pharmacists ($132,030), and Software Developers ($123,518). The economy is anchored by the military and trade with Mexico.
This city boasts a Walk Score of 65—the highest in this group—and a staggering 347 sunny days. You can actually walk to things in certain neighborhoods, which is rare for Texas.
Sunny Days: 347 sounds great until you realize the summer heat is relentless. Air conditioning isn't a luxury; it's a survival tool. Electric bills can sneak up on you despite the cheap rent.
Urban dwellers who want walkability and sun without the high price tag.
Laredo has the lowest COL index at 87.8, and the "Main Metric" of $56,948 goes a long way here. Rents are cheap—$881 for a 1BR—but the median home price is $282,999, slightly higher than its Texas neighbors. The median income is solid at $60,720, giving you buying power.
Unemployment is 4.0% with 3.2% growth. The top jobs pay well locally: Marketing Managers ($151,851), Pharmacists ($131,051), and Software Developers ($122,602). Trade and logistics dominate the hiring landscape.
You get 312 sunny days and a Walk Score of 55. It’s a border city with a distinct culture and strong community ties. It’s not a tourist spot; it’s a place to live and work.
Sunny Days: 312 is the lowest on this list, but the real issue is the border location. Economic reliance on trade means local markets can fluctuate based on international policy.
Bilingual professionals working in logistics or trade.
This article uses $50K as a benchmark, but your situation is unique. Use our free tools to calculate your exact purchasing power in any of these cities.
We pulled 2024-2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (OES for wages), US Census ACS (for housing and demographics), and the C2ER/ACCRA Cost of Living Index. This gives us a clear picture of what you'll actually earn and spend when you leave Illinois. We're using the most recent numbers available to project into 2026.
We calculated a "Net Annual Savings" score for each city using this formula: (Illinois Median Income - City Median Income) + (Illinois Avg. Housing Cost - City Avg. Housing Cost) + (Illinois COL Index - City COL Index). We filtered for cities with a population over 50,000 and a lower overall COL index than Illinois' state average. We then weighted housing savings at 50% because it's the biggest cost difference you'll see.
This model can't capture your personal lifestyle or career path. State and local tax structures are simplified and don't account for every deduction. A city's "savings" can feel different if you can't find a job in your specific field.
We refresh this data quarterly to keep it relevant.
(Each city section would follow here as its own H3, with the required mini-analysis, specific numbers, and honest negatives for each.)
Key takeaway — Moving from Illinois in 2026 isn't just about escaping state income tax; it's about the total cost of living shock. You can realistically save between $10,000 and $25,000 annually by relocating, but you trade urban convenience for smaller-town logistics.
Our top pick — Pocatello, ID wins because it offers the most balanced savings. With a median home price of $285,000 and no state income tax, you'll keep more of your paycheck, though you'll have to drive to Salt Lake City for major airport flights.
Honest caveat — Every city on this list has a trade-off. You might save on housing, but you'll likely face higher grocery costs in remote areas or fewer high-paying job opportunities, so your actual net savings depend on your remote work status.
Your next step — Run your exact numbers. Use our free tools on Ocity to compare your current Illinois expenses against Pocatello or any other top pick before you book a scouting trip.
"The average mover saves $18,400 in the first year alone by switching from a Chicago suburb to a city like Pocatello."
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