Illinois vs Iowa: Best State to Live In
Iowa scores higher as a state to live in Illinois.
Visual Comparison
Difference: 1.63 points — Iowa leads.
National Rankings
Where They Rank Nationally
See where both states fall among all 50 states for best state to live in.
Top 10 States — Best State to Live In
Massachusetts
Idaho
New Jersey
Wisconsin
Minnesota
Florida
New Hampshire
New York
Utah
Pennsylvania
Illinois
Iowa
Illinois ranks 17th and Iowa ranks 12th nationally for best state to live in.
What This Means
Illinois vs Iowa: Best State to Live In in context
Iowa has a best state to live in of 56.23, compared with 54.60 in Illinois. Composite living score for comparing states to live in, based on the existing livability score.
People Also Ask
Illinois vs Iowa Best State to Live In — Common Questions
Q What is Illinois's best state to live in?
Illinois's best state to live in is 54.60.
Q What is Iowa's best state to live in?
Iowa's best state to live in is 56.23.
Q Which state has a higher best state to live in — Illinois or Iowa?
Iowa scores higher as a state to live in Illinois.
More Comparisons: Illinois vs Iowa
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Sources: Core demographic data comes from the 2020 U.S. Census, with land area from U.S. Census Bureau TIGER files. Income, housing, affordability, and tax fields are maintained in our comparison dataset; purchasing-power figures use BEA Regional Price Parities. Minimum wage data comes from the U.S. Department of Labor, gas prices from AAA, and electricity rates from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Political control and election fields use 2024 presidential results together with National Conference of State Legislatures data. Gun-law labels use the Giffords scorecard, alcohol system data comes from NABCA, and marijuana status uses NCSL's state cannabis laws tracker.