Compare taxes and see how much you save moving from Illinois to Wisconsin
Illinois and Wisconsin offer a classic flat vs progressive tax comparison. Illinois charges a flat 4.95% on all income—simple but hits lower earners harder. Wisconsin uses four brackets: 3.5% (to $14K), 4.4% (to $28K), 5.3% (to $312K), 7.65% (above). For lower earners, Wisconsin wins. At $50,000: Illinois charges $2,475, Wisconsin charges ~$2,100. Wisconsin saves $375. At higher incomes, the gap narrows then reverses. At $150,000: Illinois charges $7,425, Wisconsin charges ~$8,900. Illinois saves $1,475. The crossover is around $90K. Property taxes also matter—Illinois has 4th highest (2.08% average), Wisconsin is 9th (1.61%). Chicago offers major city lifestyle; Wisconsin offers lower costs and outdoor recreation. Choose Illinois if: you earn over $90K, want Chicago urban lifestyle, or work in finance/tech. Choose Wisconsin if: you earn under $90K, prefer lower cost of living, or value outdoor lifestyle.
Flat Rate
4.95% flat rate on all income
Progressive
3.5/4.4/5.3/7.65% four-bracket progressive
At $150,000 (IL wins) income:
That is $123/month back in your pocket!
| Income | IL Tax | WI Tax | Savings | 10-Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $2,475 (4.95%) | $2,100 (4.2%) | Wisconsin saves $375 | $3,750 |
| $75,000 | $3,713 (4.95%) | $3,425 (4.6%) | Wisconsin saves $288 | $2,880 |
| $100,000 | $4,950 (4.95%) | $4,750 (4.75%) | Wisconsin saves $200 | $2,000 |
| $150,000 | $7,425 (4.95%) | $8,900 (5.9%) | Illinois saves $1,475 | $14,750 |
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Get Matched With a CPA →The crossover point is around $90,000. Below that, Wisconsin's lower brackets (3.5% and 4.4%) beat Illinois' flat 4.95%. Above $90K, Wisconsin's 5.3% and 7.65% brackets make Illinois' flat rate the better deal. At $150K, Illinois saves about $1,475/year.
Illinois: 2.08% average (4th highest). Wisconsin: 1.61% average (9th highest). On a $300K home: Illinois ~$6,240/year, Wisconsin ~$4,830/year. Illinois property taxes are 30% higher, which can offset income tax savings for high earners.
Illinois wins on tax: Pension income and Social Security are exempt from state tax. Wisconsin taxes most retirement income (though with some exemptions). However, Wisconsin's lower cost of living and property taxes may compensate. Depends on retirement income sources.
Chicago: World-class city, 2.7M population, endless dining/culture/sports, higher costs. Milwaukee: Underrated city, 570K population, good food scene, very affordable. Madison: College town, 270K population, tech growing, outdoors access. Chicago has more; Wisconsin is more affordable and outdoorsy.
Wisconsin is more fiscally stable. Illinois has massive pension obligations and has flirted with junk bond status. Some fear Illinois could raise taxes to address fiscal crisis. Wisconsin has a rainy day fund and better credit rating. For long-term planning, Wisconsin's fiscal health is a plus.