Theater & film
AUG31
8 PM
ChiTown Movies · Cicero, IL
Theater & film
ChiTown Drive-In Presents - Shrek
ChiTown Movies
Arts and craftsIndoors
Illinois
Snapshot
Retire by stateFigures verified May 31, 2026
Illinois retirement guide
Retiring in Illinois
Illinois leaves your retirement income alone. You weigh that against high property and sales taxes, and real Midwestern winters.
Could fit
Your pensions, IRAs, and Social Security go untaxed here. You love Lake Michigan and Chicago's arts, and that outweighs the tax and weather picture.
Look closely at
Property and sales taxes run high. Cold and snow shape several months of your year, and that is not your idea of a good time.
Cost of living
$5,000/mo
Using the same $5,000 national monthly example, Illinois comes out near $5,000 a month.
#33 of 50 for lowest everyday cost, using the same BEA index shown here.
U.S. avg 100
More affordablePricier
Illinois runs about 0% below the national average on everyday prices.
Cost of recreation
109
Our index of how Illinois's estimated annual hobby costs compare with the rest of the country.
#31 of 50 for lower estimated recreation cost, using the same hobby-cost model shown here.
U.S. avg 100
More affordablePricier
Illinois's modeled hobby costs run about 9% above the national average. The modeled average is about $1,317 a year across the activity basket.
Est. Our own measure from 8 modeled hobbies. It uses published state fees where we have them, then adds recurring hobby assumptions like gear, trips, memberships, and upkeep. 100 = national average.
How the plan models Illinois
The state lines the calculator actually changes.
Start here for the whole state picture. The quick math sits beside the things that change daily life: taxes, home costs, care costs, towns, weather, and what Illinois actually feels like.
Tax and Medicare
Check the Illinois income picture.
Estimate how Illinois treats Social Security, pension income, IRA/401(k) withdrawals, city income tax, and Medicare premium tiers before you build the full journey.
Social Security
Not taxed
Pension
Not taxed
IRA / 401(k)
Not taxed
Cost of living
$5,000/mo
Using the same $5,000 national monthly example, Illinois prices translate to about $5,000 a month.
BEA Regional Price ParitiesState income tax
~1.0%
Illinois does not tax Social Security in the summary used here, but a 1% blended planning rate is used for taxable retirement-income context. AARP lists Illinois among states that do not tax IRA and 401(k) distributions in the summary used here.
Tax FoundationSocial Security
Not taxed
Illinois does not tax Social Security benefits under the current state-tax summary used here.
AARP / IRS Pub. 915Property tax
2.2%
Property tax is local, but the Illinois state-level planning rate used here is 2.2% of home value. On a $350,000 home, that is about $7,800 a year before county detail.
Tax FoundationSales tax
9.0%
Tax Foundation puts Illinois's 2026 average combined state and local sales tax near 9.0%, ranked 8 among states in that table.
Tax FoundationVehicle costs
Registration line
Vehicle costs still belong in the budget, but the vehicle-tax source used here does not flag Illinois as a state where value-based vehicle property tax is the main planning issue.
FreeTaxUSA vehicle-tax guideLong-term care in Illinois
The care cliff, in Illinois dollars.
CareScout and Genworth 2025 median costs, compared with the national median. Long-term care is a separate planning layer from ordinary Medicare costs.
Assisted living
$6,219/mo
About $74,628 a year, about the same as the national median.
Nursing home (semi-private)
$8,304/mo
About $99,645 a year, 13% lower than the national median.
Home caregiver
$6,864/mo
About $82,368 a year, 3% higher than the national median.
Activities & recreation in Illinois
What there is to do, with the sources.
How the things people retire for actually look in Illinois. Each links to the full activity guide.
FishingIllinois Department of Natural Resources State Parks Guide
Illinois has dozens of public fishing lakes managed by the Department of Natural Resources, including Moraine View State Park's lake and numerous reservoir lakes downstate. The Illinois DNR issues fishing licenses and publishes stocking reports for public waters statewide.
$435/yrEst.
Estimated annual hobby cost
One resident annual license, plus tackle, bait, simple access trips, and replacement gear.
Published input
Illinois resident annual fishing license: $15.00. Senior (65-74) resident fishing license: $7.75/yr. Super Senior (75+) resident fishing license: $1.50/yr.
dnr.illinois.gov · as of 2026Where to go
Boating & waterIllinois DNR Moraine View State Park
Illinois state park lakes, including Carlyle Lake and Lake Shelbyville, have public boat ramps and marina services. Moraine View State Park near Bloomington also features boating and kayaking on its reservoir, with nearby camping and fishing access.
$4,666/yrEst.
Estimated annual hobby cost
A modest owned boat, including registration, insurance, storage, maintenance, fuel, and basic upkeep.
Published input
Illinois boat registration renewal: Class 1 (powered, under 16 ft) $18/yr; Class 2 (16-under 26 ft) $50/yr; Class 3 (26-under 40 ft) $150/yr; Class 4 (40 ft+) $200/yr. New/transfer registration fees are higher.
Published range: $18 to $210.
dnr.illinois.gov · as of 2026Pickleball & tennisChicago Park District Pickleball Courts
The Chicago Park District operates dedicated pickleball courts at multiple locations, including Armour Square, and offers free pickleball sessions for adults 60 and older through its senior programs. The Chicago Ridge Park District and other suburban districts run adult and senior pickleball leagues.
$240/yrEst.
Estimated annual hobby cost
30 court visits per year, plus paddle replacement, balls, league fees, and small club costs.
Published input
Chicago Park District outdoor pickleball courts (59 facilities citywide, e.g., Grant Park, Maggie Daley Park): free open play on outdoor courts. Maggie Daley Park pickleball open play runs Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to noon at no charge; registration at Chicago Park District required.
maggiedaleypark.com · as of 2026Arts & cultureSenior Services of Central Illinois
Illinois has major cultural institutions including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the Field Museum. Senior Services of Central Illinois in Springfield offers arts programming and events for older adults.
$518/yrEst.
Estimated annual hobby cost
8 museum, theater, or cultural visits per year, plus a modest membership or ticket budget.
Published input
Art Institute of Chicago (Illinois resident admission): seniors (65+) $21/visit; general adult $27/visit. Illinois residents receive discounted rates vs. out-of-state general admission of $32 for adults.
artic.edu · as of 2026Social & communityIllinois Department on Aging Senior Centers
The Illinois Department on Aging funds senior centers throughout the state and coordinates through regional Area Agencies on Aging. The West Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging serves Adams, Brown, and surrounding counties, while Lake County has its own Senior Service Coalition.
$255/yrEst.
Estimated annual hobby cost
Senior-center, club, class, trip, or program costs beyond any published membership fee.
Published input
Springfield Park District (Springfield, IL) senior season pass: $75/yr (individual senior rate); provides access to recreation center facilities. Note: Chicago Park District senior center programs exist at no formal annual membership fee; the Springfield Park District figure is one documented statewide example.
springfieldparks.org · as of 2026GolfIllinois DNR Moraine View State Park
Illinois state parks include public golf courses such as the 18-hole course at Moraine View State Park near Bloomington, and several DNR-managed courses around the state offer weekday and senior rates. The Chicago Park District also runs public golf programs across the city.
$3,640/yrEst.
Estimated annual hobby cost
24 public rounds per year, plus equipment refresh, range balls, carts, and other course extras.
Published input
Cantigny Golf (Wheaton, public 18-hole): $130 weekday, $160 weekend/holiday; senior (60+) rate $77 walking any day. Rates vary by season and tee time.
Published range: $130 to $160.
cantignygolf.com · as of 2026GardeningChicago Botanic Garden
The Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe offers adult education classes, master gardener training, and accessible public gardens on 385 acres. University of Illinois Extension runs Master Gardener programs in each county with community garden plots and seasonal workshops.
$520/yrEst.
Estimated annual hobby cost
Seeds, soil, tools, replacement plants, water, and a modest home or community-garden setup.
Published input
Chicago Park District runs Community Gardens in the Parks program supporting 98 garden sites across the city; individual plot fees are set by each community garden group and could not be verified as a uniform city-wide figure from the Chicago Park District official pages.
chicagoparkdistrict.com · as of 2026Where to go
Hiking & trailsIllinois State Parks Guide
Illinois has more than 60 state parks and conservation areas with trail systems, including the canyon and waterfall trails at Starved Rock State Park near Ottawa and forested loops at Shawnee National Forest in the south. Many parks have paved or accessible walking paths.
$260/yrEst.
Estimated annual hobby cost
12 trail or park visits per year, plus footwear, basic gear, parking, and local travel.
Published input
Illinois State Parks charge no entrance or day-use fee. The Illinois DNR does not charge an entrance fee to any state-owned or operated land (beaches charge $1-$2/day per person for beach-only use).
dnr.illinois.gov · as of 2026Things to do in Illinois
What a week can look like.
Starved Rock State Park canyons and waterfalls
Starved Rock sits along the Illinois River, with sandstone canyons and waterfalls that come and go with the seasons. Trails are marked, and a few paved, accessible stretches run near the visitor center.
Lake Michigan shoreline and trails
Chicago and the northern suburbs run miles of paved lakefront path along Lake Michigan. It is flat and continuous, so you can walk or bike it at an easy pace.
Chicago museums and music
Chicago's arts run deep, from major museums to the symphony and theater. Many spots offer senior pricing and sit near accessible public transit.
Illinois Office of Tourism (Enjoy Illinois)What to know about Illinois
What can change the month.
Retirement income is not taxed
Illinois does not tax the federally taxed portion of common retirement income. That covers your IRAs, 401(k)s, pensions, and Social Security. Other income can still face the state income tax.
Illinois Department of RevenueHigh property and sales taxes
Illinois carries some of the higher property tax bills in the country, and combined state and local sales taxes run high too. Those costs can eat into what you save on untaxed retirement income.
AARPCold, snowy winters
Illinois winters bring cold and snow, with stretches of dangerous wind chill. Snow and ice affect your driving and walking for parts of the season.
Things to do in Illinois
What there is to do across Illinois.
16 tracked categories across Illinois. Each card opens the search filtered to that activity.
Golf
Golf
Public, resort, and municipal courses near retirement towns.
392 places tracked
Fish
Fishing
Boat ramps, piers, lakes, and shore access.
1,479 places tracked
Trails
Hiking trails
Named trails, parks, and nature reserves for a real walk.
1,310 places tracked
Water
Boating and water
Marinas, ramps, and launches for getting on the water.
109 places tracked
Play
Pickleball
Courts and public places to play.
455 places tracked
Garden
Gardening
Community gardens, botanical gardens, and places to dig in.
144 places tracked
Arts
Arts and culture
Museums, galleries, theaters, and cultural stops.
794 places tracked
Meet
Community
Senior centers, community centers, and places to meet people.
506 places tracked
Bocce
Bocce
Where to roll a few games on a sunny afternoon.
28 places tracked
Birds
Birding
Top-rated birding hotspots from the eBird community.
2,125 places tracked
Beach
Beaches
Public beaches and shorelines worth a morning walk.
106 places tracked
Dogs
Dog parks
Off-leash parks for the four-legged member of the household.
120 places tracked
Camp
Camping & RV
Federal campgrounds, RV parks, dispersed sites, and horse-friendly camps.
161 places tracked
Winter
Winter sports
Downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice rinks, sledding hills.
11 places tracked
Scenic
Wildlife & scenic
Wildlife and whale viewing, scenic drives, hot springs, stargazing spots.
32 places tracked
Wine
Wineries
Tasting rooms and winery tours nearby.
17 places tracked
Upcoming events in Illinois
See all eventsTheater & film
AUG-SEPDATES
Second City-Chicago: Mainstage · Grange, IL
Theater & filmHappens regularly
The Best of The Second City
Second City-Chicago: Mainstage
Arts and craftsWeeklyIndoors
Music & concerts
AUG31
8 PM
SPACE · Grange, IL
Music & concertsFree
Blue Monday: Lil' Red & The Rooster
SPACE
A deep calling led them both to the Blues, and the Blues brought Lil Red (Jennifer Milligan) and Pascal Fouquet together in 2010. Theyve been living and breathing their music ever sinceRetro Modern Bluesintimately real, at times hilarious, and always coming from love and respect for humanity and...
MusicFree
Theater & film
AUG31
10 PM
ChiTown Movies · Grange, IL
Theater & film
ChiTown Drive-In Presents - Nightmare on Elm Street
ChiTown Movies
Arts and craftsIndoors
Dance & fitness
AUG31
alphapark · Bartonville, IL
Theater & film
AUG31
8 PM
ChiTown Movies · Grange, IL
Theater & film
ChiTown Drive-In Presents - Shrek
ChiTown Movies
Arts and craftsIndoors
Retirement towns in Illinois
Towns we have mapped in Illinois.
Weighing two states?
Put Illinois next to another state.
Compare cost of living, taxes, Social Security treatment, property and sales tax, and long-term-care costs side by side.
Common questions
Retiring in Illinois, answered.
Does Illinois tax retirement income?
Illinois does not tax Social Security benefits under the current state-tax summary used here. AARP lists Illinois among states that do not tax IRA and 401(k) distributions in the summary used here. Illinois does not tax Social Security in the summary used here, but a 1% blended planning rate is used for taxable retirement-income context.
AARP: how states tax retirement incomeIs Illinois cheaper or more expensive than average?
BEA regional price parities put Illinois very close to the U.S. average cost level. That price level is the first reason a national retirement number needs a Illinois translation.
BEA Regional Price ParitiesWhat does long-term care cost in Illinois?
In the CareScout and Genworth 2025 medians, Illinois assisted living runs about $74,628 a year (about the same as the national median) and a semi-private nursing-home room about $99,645 a year (13% lower than the national median).
CareScout / Genworth Cost of CareWhich towns in Illinois have a retirement guide?
Illinois has 1 researched town guide: Chicago. Each one breaks down local costs, services, and things to do.
Does Illinois tax pensions and Social Security?
No. Illinois does not tax the federally taxed portion of common retirement income. That includes your IRAs, 401(k)s, pensions, and Social Security benefits. Other types of income can still face the state income tax.
Illinois Department of RevenueIs Illinois expensive for retirees despite no tax on retirement income?
It can be. Illinois does not tax retirement income, but it has high property taxes and high combined sales taxes, which can offset that benefit. Your overall cost depends a lot on the county and town you choose.
AARPSources
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