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HEAD-TO-HEAD TAX COMPARISON · 2026

COUNTRY A Illinois VS COUNTRY B Wisconsin

Side-by-side analysis of income tax, effective rates, and take-home pay for Illinois and Wisconsin in 2026.

Daniel · CountryTaxCalc Updated May 2026 Tax Comparison 2026
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OVERVIEW
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: Il…
Section 01

The Big Picture

Top-line rates and effective take-home for a typical earner — including income tax, social contributions, and applicable surcharges.
🌆
COUNTRY A
Illinois
TAX RATE
4.95%
Flat Rate
4.95% flat rate on all income
🧀
COUNTRY B
Wisconsin
TAX RATE
3.5-7.65%
Progressive
3.5/4.4/5.3/7.65% four-bracket progressive
TYPICAL ANNUAL DIFFERENCE
Moving from Wisconsin → Illinois at $150,000 (IL wins)
$1,475
That's $123/month back in your pocket
Section 02

Tax Savings by Income Level

Net take-home after all income tax, social contributions, and surcharges — for a single employee with no dependents.
GROSS 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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🌆

Illinois Pros & Cons

+ PROS
  • Flat tax simplicity: 4.95% on all income, easy to calculate and plan
  • Chicago opportunities: Major global city, diverse job market
  • Better for high earners: Above ~$90K, Illinois tax is lower
  • Cultural hub: World-class dining, arts, sports, entertainment
  • No tax on retirement income: Pensions and Social Security exempt
− CONS
  • High property taxes: 2.08% average, 4th highest in US
  • Pension crisis: State fiscal issues could mean future tax increases
  • Flat tax burden: Lower earners pay same rate as millionaires
  • High cost of living: Chicago expensive compared to Wisconsin cities
🧀

Wisconsin Pros & Cons

+ PROS
  • Lower taxes for most: Under $90K income, Wisconsin is cheaper
  • Lower property taxes: 1.61% average vs Illinois' 2.08%
  • Lower cost of living: Milwaukee, Madison 15-25% cheaper than Chicago
  • Outdoor lifestyle: Lakes, forests, skiing, hunting, fishing
  • Growing tech scene: Madison emerging as Midwest tech hub
− CONS
  • 7.65% top rate: High earners pay more than Illinois' flat 4.95%
  • Smaller job market: Fewer opportunities than Chicago metro
  • Colder winters: Even more brutal than Chicago
  • Progressive complexity: Four brackets vs simple flat rate
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

At what income does Illinois become cheaper?

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.

How do property taxes compare?

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.

Which is better for retirees?

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.

What about Chicago vs Milwaukee/Madison lifestyle?

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.

Which state is better fiscally?

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.
From the brief
PT38.4%−9.6 vs. headline
CY17.8%incl. 60-day rule
AE 0.0%substance required
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