Illinois vs. Wisconsin
On a $75,000 salary, you keep about $973 more a year in Wisconsin. Prices are 6% higher in Illinois, so after adjusting for cost of living Wisconsin comes out ahead.
Last verified November 2, 2026.
| Illinois | Wisconsin | |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax | Has a flat income tax of 4.95% on taxable income. | Has a graduated income tax with 4 brackets, from 3.5% up to 7.65% on taxable income over $332,720 for single filers. |
| Minimum wage | $15.00 | $7.25 |
| Price level (U.S. = 100) | 100.0 | 94.1 |
| Employer cost on a $50,000 hire | $5,014 | $5,004 |
| SUTA wage base | $14,250 | $14,000 |
Take-home pay at the same salary
| Salary | Illinois take-home | Wisconsin take-home | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $40,025 | $40,936 | $911 more in Wisconsin |
| $75,000 | $58,025 | $58,998 | $973 more in Wisconsin |
| $100,000 | $74,375 | $75,261 | $886 more in Wisconsin |
| $150,000 | $106,511 | $107,222 | $711 more in Wisconsin |
Single filer, standard deduction, tax year 2026. Excludes local income taxes.
Adjusted for cost of living
Using BEA regional price parities, $58,025 in Illinois buys what $58,049 buys in an average-priced state, and $58,998 in Wisconsin buys what $62,700 does. To keep the same buying power moving from Illinois to Wisconsin, a $75,000 salary would need to be about $70,601 before the tax difference.
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Frequently asked questions
- Is Illinois or Wisconsin better for take-home pay?
- On $75,000, you keep about $973 more a year in Wisconsin. Adjusted for prices, Wisconsin comes out ahead by $4,651.
- Which state is cheaper for employers, Illinois or Wisconsin?
- Employer taxes and insurance on a $50,000 hire are about $5,014 in Illinois and $5,004 in Wisconsin.