Illinois
Snapshot
Illinois retirement guide
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.
$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.
Illinois runs about 0% below the national average on everyday prices.
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.
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
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
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
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
How the things people retire for actually look in Illinois. Each links to the full activity 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.
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
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.
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 2026The 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.
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 2026Illinois 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.
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 2026The 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.
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 2026Illinois 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.
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 2026The 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.
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
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.
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
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.
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'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
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 RevenueIllinois 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.
AARPIllinois 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
16 tracked categories across Illinois. Each card opens the search filtered to that activity.
Public, resort, and municipal courses near retirement towns.
392 places tracked
Boat ramps, piers, lakes, and shore access.
1,501 places tracked
Named trails, parks, and nature reserves for a real walk.
1,310 places tracked
Marinas, ramps, and launches for getting on the water.
109 places tracked
Courts and public places to play.
455 places tracked
Community gardens, botanical gardens, and places to dig in.
144 places tracked
Museums, galleries, theaters, and cultural stops.
794 places tracked
Senior centers, community centers, and places to meet people.
506 places tracked
Where to roll a few games on a sunny afternoon.
28 places tracked
Top-rated birding hotspots from the eBird community.
2,125 places tracked
Public beaches and shorelines worth a morning walk.
106 places tracked
Off-leash parks for the four-legged member of the household.
120 places tracked
Federal campgrounds, RV parks, dispersed sites, and horse-friendly camps.
161 places tracked
Downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice rinks, sledding hills.
11 places tracked
Wildlife and whale viewing, scenic drives, hot springs, stargazing spots.
32 places tracked
Tasting rooms and winery tours nearby.
17 places tracked
Tastings
5:30 PM
FITZGERALDS SIDEBAR · North Aurora, IL
FITZGERALDS SIDEBAR
FITZGERALDS PRESENTS: Shukin And The Ramblers Shukin and the Ramblers is the Rusty Roots Rock Revue you'll have to see to believe. Influenced by the American sounds of the Chicago Blues, Classic Rn'B, Roots Country, a Funky dose of Gypsy Jazz and a Punk Rock edge. FREE SHOW!! Click that "Book Now...
Theater & film
The Comedy Vault · North Aurora, IL
The Comedy Vault
Theater & film
Chicago Improv · North Aurora, IL
Chicago Improv
A ticket delivery delay is in place until 48 hours prior to event. Tickets will not be emailed until then. DO NOT PURCHASE TICKETS FROM ANYONE OR ANY OTHER SITE OTHER THAN IMPROV.COM. TICKET RESALE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. TICKETS SUSPECTED OF BEING PURCHASED FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF RESELLING MAY...
Theater & film
8 PM
Joe's Live Rosemont · North Aurora, IL
Joe's Live Rosemont
This show is all ages, but anyone under 21 requires accompaniment by a parent/legal guardian of parental age for entry. About Willow Avalon: Originally from Georgia and now based in Nashville, Willow Avalon's musical journey began with her first word, , "rdquo" -> Elvis." Raised by her mother and...
Dance & fitness
8:30 PM
FITZGERALDS NIGHTCLUB · North Aurora, IL
FITZGERALDS NIGHTCLUB
FITZGERALDS NIGHTCLUB PRESENTS: Friday Night in the Club w/ FUNKHOUSE! $30 General Admission / Reserved Tables Available The Westside's favorite 90's dance band FunkHouse is reuniting at Fitzgerald's for the first time since 2022. The band will feature original lead vocalist Tom Sullivan as well...
Music & concerts
FITZGERALDS SIDEBAR · North Aurora, IL
FITZGERALDS SIDEBAR
FITZGERALDS PRESENTS: THE MEADOWLARK LEMONS FREE SHOW! Click "Book Now" to RSVP for guaranteed entry Grab dinner before the show at BABYGOLD BARBECUE ***PARKING*** There is rather limited street parking in the area, the organizer recommends arriving by rideshare, bicycle, or rickshaw.
Retirement towns in Illinois
Weighing two states?
Compare cost of living, taxes, Social Security treatment, property and sales tax, and long-term-care costs side by side.
Common questions
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 incomeBEA 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 ParitiesIn 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 CareIllinois has 1 researched town guide: Chicago. Each one breaks down local costs, services, and things to do.
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 RevenueIt 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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