Side-by-side comparison of income tax, property tax, sales tax, capital gains, and retirement treatment between Illinois and West Virginia for tax year 2026. Use the calculator below to estimate how much you would save (or pay) after relocating.
| Tax | Illinois | West Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax (effective) | 4.95% | 5.12% |
| Long-term capital gains | 4.95% | 5.12% |
| Property tax (effective) | 2.27% | 0.58% |
| Combined sales tax | 8.88% | 6.57% |
| Retirement income | fully-taxable | ss-exempt |
| Income system | flat | progressive |
Illinois total tax
$20,266
West Virginia total tax
$20,434
Illinois state tax
$4,896
West Virginia state tax
$5,064
Difference
+$168
West Virginia costs more
As % of income
0.14%
Federal tax is identical in both columns and excluded from the difference. Numbers use 2026 IRS brackets, state effective rates, and the 3.8% NIIT where applicable.
Moving from Illinois to West Virginia would cost an extra $168 per year on this profile.
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