Have questions about what you're reading? A specialist can walk you through real costs, honest comparisons, and what's actually available right now — free, no obligation.
Talk to a Specialist →| Factor | Illinois / Chicago | Idaho | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| State income tax (IL) | 4.95% flat — no retirement exclusion | $0 for most retirees ($95,870 married deduction + SS exempt) | IL taxes every dollar of retirement income at 4.95% — no calculation needed to know it is zero in Idaho |
| Property tax — $450K home | $6,000–$11,700/yr (Cook/DuPage/Lake Co.) | ~$2,470/yr (Ada Co., after homestead) | Naperville/Schaumburg $8,000–$11,000/yr on typical home |
| Homeowners insurance | ~$2,000–$3,000/yr | ~$1,200–$1,900/yr | Idaho inland — lower risk and lower premiums |
| Distance to family (Chicago area) | Staying in IL | Boise: 4 hr flight to O'Hare (multiple daily) | BOI has direct service to Chicago — 4 hours with layovers |
Illinois is the second-largest Midwest feeder state for Boise (after Chicago-area buyers who often consider multiple Western markets). The financial case is strong: 4.95% flat income tax with no retirement exclusion means every dollar of IRA, pension, and 401(k) income is taxed at 4.95% in Illinois. In Idaho, the $95,870 married deduction eliminates the tax entirely for most retired couples.
Cook, DuPage, and Lake County property taxes are among the highest in the Midwest. On a $500,000–$700,000 home in Naperville, Schaumburg, or the north suburbs, annual property tax runs $7,000–$11,000. Ada County on a comparable Idaho home runs $2,800–$4,000 after the homestead exemption.
Illinois buyers researching Boise often find that while the Bay Area equity conversion story is more dramatic, the Illinois annual savings story is more sustainable — $9,000–$11,000 per year in combined income tax and property tax savings, compounding over 20 years.
We connect buyers with agents who know this market from the inside — real cost math, honest comparisons, and what's actually happening right now. Every agent is personally vetted by the Nova55Living founder. No scripts, no pressure.
Most common IL buyer landing spot. Established, indoor pool, Ada County, Meridian convenience.
Established resale market. For IL buyers who want real comparable sales data before buying.
For IL buyers who want the largest amenity campus and golf at a lower price than Cadence.
Illinois has a senior freeze program but its income limits are $65,000 and the assessment is frozen, not the bill itself. Idaho's homestead exemption is more straightforward and renews automatically.
The exemption applies to your primary Idaho residence. File with your county assessor (Ada County Assessor: 208-287-7200; Canyon County Assessor: 208-454-7431) in the first year after closing. Bring your deed and proof of primary residency.
Tell us your Illinois / Chicago home value, retirement income, and target community — we will build the full comparison for your situation.
Get Your NumbersConnect with a specialist who knows this market from the inside — real cost math, honest community comparisons, and what's actually happening right now. Every agent is personally vetted by the Nova55Living founder.
Connect with a Specialist →