Retiring in Illinois (2026)

Illinois ranks #34 of 51 nationally for retirement friendliness (68/100 vs national avg 73/100). Housing costs are #15 of 51 cheapest, and cost of living overall is slightly below the US average.

Retirement Score

Median Home

$245k

Nat'l avg $358k

Cost of Living

92(US=100)

Nat'l avg 103

Climate

cold humid

Healthcare

82/100

Reasons to Retire Here

✓ALL retirement income exempt
✓Reasonable housing
✓Excellent healthcare in Chicago
✓Cultural amenities

Trade-Offs to Know

•Very high property tax
•Estate tax
•Cold winters
•Some crime concerns

Climate for Older Adults

Illinois's climate is cold and humid in winter, with hot humid summers. Snow removal and ice are real considerations for older adults.

Total Financial Picture

The key financial factors for a Illinois retirement:

• Housing: Median home value $245,000. That's about $113k cheaper than the national median.
• Cost of living index: 92 vs 100 US baseline — everyday goods like groceries, gas, and services run slightly below the US average.
• Tax friendliness: 88/100 — Social Security is exempt; pensions are exempt. See the full Illinois tax guide.
• Healthcare access: 82/100 — excellent specialist and hospital access statewide.
• Safety: 55/100 — average safety statewide with meaningful city-to-city variation.

Illinois is a solid middle-tier retirement destination. Financial factors are workable; the deciding factor is usually climate, family proximity, or specific lifestyle preferences.

Safety & Crime

55/100

Average safety statewide with significant city-to-city variation. Research specific towns before choosing.

Common Questions — Retiring in Illinois

Is Illinois a tax-friendly state for retirees?

Illinois scores 88/100 on our tax friendliness scale. It doesn't tax Social Security OR retirement income — one of the strongest positions in the country. See the full state tax breakdown.

What's the median home price in Illinois?

About $245,000 statewide, though costs vary significantly by city. Popular retirement communities and coastal areas tend to run above the state median; rural areas run below.

Is healthcare access good in Illinois?

Healthcare access scores 82/100. Excellent — specialist and hospital access is strong statewide.

Are there active senior communities in Illinois?

Yes, but concentration varies by region. Look at MSAs (metropolitan statistical areas) that skew older; Illinois has plenty of 55+ communities in metro suburbs.