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HEAD-TO-HEAD TAX COMPARISON · 2026

COUNTRY A Washington State VS COUNTRY B Illinois

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

Daniel · CountryTaxCalc Updated June 2026 Tax Comparison 2026
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OVERVIEW
Washington State has no state income tax (0%), while Illinois levies a flat 4.95% on all income. At $100,000, Washington State saves approximately $4,820/year after accounting for Illinois's $2,425 standard deduction equivalent. Illinois's tax burden doesn't stop at income tax — it also has some of the highest property taxes in the US (~2.27% effective), making Illinois one of the most taxed states overall. Washington State's higher sales tax (~10.1% in Seattle vs Illinois ~8.8%) partially offsets the advantage. For high earners, Washington State's zero income tax saves tens of thousands per year versus Chicago-area residents.
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
Washington State
TAX RATE
0%
No Income Tax
No state income tax (never had one, unconstitutional)
🌽
COUNTRY B
Illinois
TAX RATE
4.95%
Flat
Flat 4.95% tax rate
TYPICAL ANNUAL DIFFERENCE
Moving from Illinois → Washington State at $100,000
$4,820
That's $402/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
🌲 WA TAX
🌽 IL TAX
SAVINGS
10-YEAR
$50,000
$0
$2,228
$2,228
$22,280
$100,000
$0
$4,820
$4,820
$48,200
$200,000
$0
$9,900
$9,900
$99,000
$500,000
$0
$24,750
$24,750
$247,500
💡

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🌲

Washington State Pros & Cons

+ PROS
  • Zero income tax: Save $4,820/year on $100k, $24,750 on $500k — no state return
  • Lower property tax: ~1.03% (vs IL 2.27%) saves $4,960/year on $400k home
  • Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing headquarters — world-class tech salaries
  • No retirement income tax: 401(k), pensions, Social Security all state-tax-free
  • Natural beauty: Cascades, Olympic Peninsula, Puget Sound
− CONS
  • Higher sales tax: 10.1-10.5% in Seattle vs IL ~8.8% combined — $120+ more/year
  • Expensive housing: Seattle median ~$780k vs Chicago ~$330k (57% more expensive)
  • Business & Occupation tax affects contractors and self-employed residents
  • Rainy winters: Seattle averages 150+ cloudy days per year
  • 7% capital gains tax on gains above $262k (since 2023) for investors
🌽

Illinois Pros & Cons

+ PROS
  • Flat tax: 4.95% flat — predictable, no bracket creep like progressive states
  • Much cheaper housing: Chicago median ~$330k (vs Seattle ~$780k, 57% cheaper)
  • World-class city: Chicago architecture, food scene, museums, sports
  • Lower sales tax: ~8.8% combined (vs Seattle 10.1-10.5%) saves $120+/year
  • Diverse economy: Finance, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, tech
− CONS
  • Income tax: 4.95% flat costs $4,820/year on $100k, $24,750 on $500k
  • Highest property tax burden: 2.27% effective rate costs $9,080/year on $400k home vs WA $4,120
  • State fiscal crisis: IL has worst pension underfunding in US, potential tax increases
  • Population decline: IL loses ~100,000 residents/year to TX, FL, WA
  • Chicago crime: Downtown and certain neighborhoods have elevated crime rates
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Illinois income tax cost compared to Washington State?

Illinois charges a flat 4.95% on all income. On $100,000, that's approximately $4,820/year (after Illinois's personal exemption of $2,425). Washington State charges $0. Over 10 years, that's $48,200 in income tax savings from living in Washington State. At $200k income: $9,900/year more in IL. At $500k: $24,750/year more. Unlike progressive states, Illinois's flat rate applies equally from $1 to $500,000+.

Does Illinois have high property taxes as well?

Yes — Illinois has the second-highest property taxes in the US (~2.27% effective rate). On a $400,000 home: Illinois costs ~$9,080/year in property tax vs Washington State's ~$4,120/year — a difference of $4,960/year. Combined with income tax, an Illinois resident earning $100k on a $400k home pays approximately $9,780 more per year in state-level taxes than an equivalent Washington State resident.

Why are so many people leaving Illinois?

Illinois has lost population every year since 2014, driven by: high income tax (4.95%), highest-in-US property taxes in many counties (2.27% average), worst pension underfunding of any US state (~$235B deficit), Chicago crime concerns, cold winters, and high cost of government. Major destinations: Florida, Texas, Arizona, and increasingly Washington State. The irony: Washington State saves both the income tax and much of the property tax burden.

Is Chicago worth the extra taxes vs Seattle?

For many people, yes. Chicago offers: world-class food, architecture, museums, sports (Bears, Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, Blackhawks), and housing 57% cheaper than Seattle. But tax costs are substantial: $4,820+ income tax + $4,960 more in property tax = ~$9,780/year more than WA. If you value affordable housing and urban culture over tech-sector salaries and outdoor recreation, Chicago remains compelling. Remote workers with Seattle-level salaries living in Chicago pay the Illinois tax premium without the Seattle salary benefit.
From the brief
CY0%dividends, 60-day rule
PT20%flat rate, tech workers
GB39%non-dom regime gone
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