Cost of Living: Illinois vs Iowa
Quick answer
Iowa is cheaper for a single adult by about $545/month, mainly driven by rent.
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What this means in real life
The big differences between Illinois and Iowa come down to rent and tax. Groceries, transport, and utilities are usually within 10–15%; housing can swing the total by hundreds of dollars per month.
Illinois
Housing (rent + insurance)
$1,400
44%
Transportation
$451
14%
Groceries
$395
12%
Utilities & internet
$183
6%
Healthcare
$301
9%
Entertainment & dining
$207
6%
Misc & personal
$263
8%
Total: $3,200/mo
Iowa
Housing (rent + insurance)
$950
36%
Transportation
$427
16%
Groceries
$374
14%
Utilities & internet
$174
7%
Healthcare
$285
11%
Entertainment & dining
$196
7%
Misc & personal
$249
9%
Total: $2,655/mo
Deep-dive each region
Common questions
These estimates are approximate and may vary by city, taxes, rent, family size, and personal spending. Use them as a starting point, not a substitute for personalised financial or tax advice.