Illinois vs. Texas Paycheck Comparison [2026]
Compare estimated take-home pay in Illinois and Texas, with Indiana as an additional Midwest reference.
At $85,000
On a $85,000 salary, Texas leaves the most: an estimated $68,628 a year. The gap across these 3 is $4,063, which is state income tax alone — before any difference in what it costs to live in each.
| Jurisdiction | State income tax | Take-home | Behind leader |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $4,063 | $64,565 | $4,063 |
| Texas | $0 | $68,628 | — |
| Indiana | $2,478 | $66,150 | $2,478 |
Illinois applies one flat rate
Illinois taxes wage income at a single 4.95% rate rather than a graduated schedule, so the state share does not change shape as the salary rises. After $2,925 of deductions the state taxes $82,075, producing $4,063 — 4.78% of gross pay.
Texas takes no income tax on this
Texas levies no individual income tax on wages, so nothing is withheld for state income tax and the whole $85,000 is reduced by federal income tax and FICA alone. That also means the state share does not change as this salary rises — the only progression left in the figures above is federal.
Indiana applies one flat rate
Indiana taxes wage income at a single 2.95% rate rather than a graduated schedule, so the state share does not change shape as the salary rises. After $1,000 of deductions the state taxes $84,000, producing $2,478 — 2.92% of gross pay.
A single filer paid biweekly, no dependents and no 401(k) contribution, on 2026 rules reviewed through 2026-08-09. State income tax only — local and municipal taxes are excluded, as is cost of living. Use the calculator above for your own salary and filing status.
Common questions
Which state leaves you with more take-home pay, Illinois or Texas?
On a $85,000 single-filer salary, Texas leaves the most of these 3: an estimated $68,628 a year. The gap across all 3 is $4,063, and that is state income tax alone.
Does this comparison include cost of living?
No. The $4,063 gap here is state income tax on the same salary, before rent, housing, insurance or sales tax. Those routinely reverse the order: a jurisdiction that keeps more of a paycheck is frequently a more expensive place to spend it. Treat this as the tax half of the question.
What salary and filing status is this based on?
A single filer earning $85,000 a year with no dependants and no pre-tax deductions, using 2026 federal, FICA and state rules. A different salary changes the ranking, because states with graduated brackets move relative to flat-rate ones as income rises.