Wisconsin vs Illinois: Tax & Cost Comparison
2026Side-by-side Wisconsin vs Illinois comparison: state income tax, sales tax, property tax, cost of living, and minimum wage for 2026. Adjacent Great Lakes states — WI's progressive 3.5%-7.65% against IL's 4.95% flat. Wisconsin has more deductions but higher top rate; IL is broader-base flat with retirement exemption.
Written and reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Methodology · Updated
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.
| Tax / Cost Factor | Wisconsin | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax (top rate) | 7.65% (progressive) | 4.95% (flat) |
| State sales tax | 5.00% | 6.25% |
| Avg. effective property tax | 1.53% | 2.07% |
| Minimum wage (2026) | $7.25/hr | $15.00/hr |
| State Disability Insurance (SDI) | No | No |
| Paid Family Leave | No | No |
| Median home price (Q4 2025) | $305,000 | $285,000 |
| Foreclosure type | judicial | judicial |
| BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) | 95 | 96.7 |
| Median household income (2024) | $73,330 | $79,555 |
| Median 2-bedroom rent (Q4 2025) | $1,290/mo | $1,500/mo |
Worked example: $75,000 single filer, 2026
For a single filer earning $75,000 in 2026, the rough state-tax burden comparison:
- Wisconsin: estimated state income tax ≈ $4,016, plus federal income tax (≈ $7,300 at 22% marginal), FICA $5,738, sales tax 5.00% on consumption.
- Illinois: estimated state income tax ≈ $2,599, plus federal $7,300, FICA $5,738, sales tax 6.25% on consumption.
Property tax depends entirely on home value. On a $400,000 home: Wisconsin ≈ $$6,120/year; Illinois ≈ $$8,280/year.
Combined annual state burden (income + property on $400K + 6% of $50K consumption sales tax) — Wisconsin: ~$12,636; Illinois: ~$14,004.
Why this comparison? Adjacent Great Lakes states — WI's progressive 3.5%-7.65% against IL's 4.95% flat. Wisconsin has more deductions but higher top rate; IL is broader-base flat with retirement exemption.
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Wisconsin
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper to live in: Wisconsin or Illinois?
By BEA Regional Price Parity (2024), Wisconsin has a cost-of-living index of 95 and Illinois is 96.7 (US average = 100). Median household income: Wisconsin $73,330, Illinois $79,555. Median 2-bedroom rent: Wisconsin $1,290/mo, Illinois $1,500/mo. Wisconsin is the lower-cost state by this measure.
Does Wisconsin or Illinois have lower income tax in 2026?
Illinois has a top income-tax rate of 4.95%; Wisconsin has 7.65%. Illinois is lower at the top bracket.
What about property taxes in Wisconsin vs Illinois?
Wisconsin's average effective property tax rate is 1.53% (e.g., $6,120/year on a $400,000 home). Illinois's rate is 2.07% ($8,280/year on $400K). Wisconsin has the lower property tax burden.
Where is the minimum wage higher: Wisconsin or Illinois?
Wisconsin's 2026 minimum wage is $7.25/hour; Illinois's is $15.00/hour. Illinois is higher.