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Moving from Wisconsin to Illinois

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Cheese, beer, Madison + Milwaukee, brutal winters. vs. Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US.

WI state flag
Living now

Wisconsin

Capital: Madison

Median household income $72,458 · winter low 9°F · 188 sunny days

Cheese, beer, Madison + Milwaukee, brutal winters.

IL state flag
Moving to

Illinois

Capital: Springfield

Median household income $78,433 · winter low 19°F · 189 sunny days

Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US.

Illinois has an overall price level 100.0 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Wisconsin
94.1
Illinois
100.0
Illinois has 6.2% higher overall price level
Housing index
Wisconsin
79.3
Illinois
93.9
Illinois has 18% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Wisconsin
98.5
Illinois
100.0
Illinois has 1.5% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Wisconsin
99.1
Illinois
100.0
Illinois has 0.9% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Wisconsin
18.8 ¢/kWh
Illinois
18.9 ¢/kWh
Transportation index (modeled)
Wisconsin
98.8
Illinois
100.0
Illinois has 1.2% higher transportation
Median home value
Wisconsin
$294,700
Illinois
$280,700
Illinois is 4.8% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Wisconsin
$982/mo
Illinois
$1,169/mo
Illinois is 19% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow (live) state-level

Summer high 85°F · Winter low 19°F · 189 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Wisconsin
81°F
Illinois
85°F
Illinois is 4.9% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Wisconsin
9°F
Illinois
19°F
Illinois is 111% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Wisconsin
44°F
Illinois
52°F
Illinois is 18% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Wisconsin
188
Illinois
189
Illinois has 0.5% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Wisconsin
33 in
Illinois
40 in
Illinois is 20% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Wisconsin
40
Illinois
40
Snow / year
Wisconsin
50 in
Illinois
19 in
Illinois is 62% less annual snowfall

Get the full WisconsinIllinois report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

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Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Illinois than Wisconsin?

Illinois's overall price level is roughly 99.4 (US avg = 100), vs about 93.5 for Wisconsin — based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Wisconsin tops out at 7.65% income tax. Illinois tops out at 4.95%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Illinois?

Most Illinois residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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