Illinois → Wisconsin
How much could you save by moving from Illinois (4.95% flat) to Wisconsin (3.5% – 7.65%)? See the full tax comparison below.
Tax Savings by Income Level
| Income | Illinois Total Tax | Wisconsin Total Tax | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $16,619 | $16,440 | Save $179 |
| $100,000 | $25,269 | $25,178 | Save $92 |
| $150,000 | $43,187 | $43,271 | +$83 |
| $200,000 | $60,006 | $60,264 | +$258 |
Based on single filer, standard deduction, 2025 tax year. Includes federal income tax, state income tax, and FICA.
Why the difference
You'd save $92/year ($8/month) in Wisconsin vs Illinois.
Tax structure
Illinois has a flat 5.0% state income tax, while Wisconsin uses progressive brackets up to 7.6%.
Tip: The flat 4.95% rate means your effective state tax rate is close to 4.95% regardless of income — no progressive bracket benefit. Property taxes in Cook County (Chicago) can exceed $6,000-$10,000 on a median-value home.
Tip: In a progressive-bracket state, pre-tax 401(k) and HSA contributions reduce your state tax bill along with federal tax. If you are near a bracket boundary, an additional contribution can drop you into a lower state bracket.
Calculate your exact savings →
Enter your income, filing status, and home value for a personalized Illinois → Wisconsin comparison.
Understanding Each State
Illinois
Illinois has a flat income tax rate of 4.95% on all taxable income. While the rate is moderate compared to states like California or New York, Illinois's high property taxes (average ~2.08%, second-highest nationally) significantly increase the total tax burden, particularly for homeowners.
Tip: The flat 4.95% rate means your effective state tax rate is close to 4.95% regardless of income — no progressive bracket benefit. Property taxes in Cook County (Chicago) can exceed $6,000-$10,000 on a median-value home.
Wisconsin
This state uses a progressive income tax system with multiple brackets, similar to the federal system. Only the income within each bracket is taxed at that rate, so your effective state rate is lower than the top bracket. Tax planning strategies include maximizing pre-tax retirement contributions to reduce state-taxable income.
Tip: In a progressive-bracket state, pre-tax 401(k) and HSA contributions reduce your state tax bill along with federal tax. If you are near a bracket boundary, an additional contribution can drop you into a lower state bracket.
Related Resources
Frequently asked questions
How much can I save moving from Illinois to Wisconsin?
At $100,000 income (single filer), you could save $91.77 per year in combined taxes by moving from Illinois to Wisconsin. The actual savings depend on your income, filing status, and whether you own property.
Do I have to file taxes in Illinois if I move to Wisconsin?
If you move mid-year, you may need to file a part-year resident return in Illinois and a part-year or full-year return in Wisconsin. Establish your new domicile (driver's license, voter registration, etc.) to clearly document the move date.
What taxes should I compare besides income tax?
Beyond state income tax, compare property tax rates, sales tax, and any special taxes (e.g., estate tax, capital gains surtax). States with no income tax often have higher property or sales taxes that partially offset the savings.