Illinois vs Texas take-home pay
Tax year 2026 · Last updated:
Same salary, different state tax rules. This guide explains how TakeHome models Illinois versus Texas paychecks for tax year 2026 — a common Midwest-to-Texas offer and relocation comparison.
Quick tax snapshot
Focus on the income-tax and FICA slice. Housing, sales tax, and benefits are outside this table.
| Topic | Illinois | Texas |
|---|---|---|
| State personal income tax | Simplified flat-rate state income tax (provisional estimate) | No general state personal income tax (verified in our limited scope) |
| Federal income tax + FICA | Included | Included |
| Notable payroll omissions | State-specific deductions, credits, and local items omitted | Local items omitted; federal + FICA still apply |
| Best use of this pair | Chicago-area / flat-state-tax offer checks | Baseline no-state-income-tax offer / Texas relocation sketch |
What usually changes by salary band
Directional only for a single filer with matching gross — not a payroll quote.
- $80,000 — Federal + FICA dominate; Illinois flat state tax is a steady slice versus Texas.
- $115,000 — Common professional band. Easy to Compare with Texas at the same gross.
- $160,000 — Higher band. Flat IL tax still adds up in dollars versus Texas; local Chicago rules remain out of scope.
What this comparison does not decide
- Housing, property tax, and commuting can outweigh paycheck tax differences.
- Bonus, equity, and benefits change total compensation.
- Chicago local rules are not modeled on the Illinois path.
- Texas still has federal income tax and FICA — no state income tax is not “gross equals net.”
Run the numbers
Open either state calculator with a pre-selected state, or use the full tool’s Compare mode with identical salary and pay frequency.
FAQ
Is Texas always higher take-home than Illinois at the same salary?
For the same gross W-2 wages, skipping Illinois state tax often raises modeled take-home in Texas. Benefits and living costs can still dominate — use Compare for the tax slice only.
Is Illinois state tax flat in this calculator?
Yes in our provisional path: a simplified flat-rate approach plus federal income tax and FICA. State-specific deductions, credits, and local items are omitted.
Does Texas really have zero state income tax here?
Yes within our limited verified scope. Federal income tax and employee FICA still apply.
How do I compare the same offer in both states?
Open the full calculator, switch to Compare, set Offer A to Illinois and Offer B to Texas, and match salary, filing status, and pay frequency.
Should I relocate based on this page alone?
No. This page is an educational tax-slice guide. Relocation decisions need housing, family, career, and professional advice.
Which tax year do these rules reflect?
Tax year 2026 assumptions used by TakeHome. See Methodology for coverage tiers and omissions.
Want the full rules and omissions list? Read the methodology