Cost of living, taxes, and quality of life compared for 2026, with a verdict.
Wisconsin vs Illinois comes down to what you value. Illinois is the more affordable of the two, its cost of living runs about 1% lower than Wisconsin, so the same paycheck stretches further. Wisconsin ranks higher overall on our Best Life Rank (#9 vs #45), balancing cost against quality of life. Wisconsin is strongest on schools and weakest on climate; Illinois is strongest on schools and weakest on air quality.
| Metric | Wisconsin | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| BLISS score (cost) | 0.99 1% below average | 0.98 2% below average |
| Best Life Rank | #9 | #45 |
| Cost of living | #28 | #26 |
| Climate | #32 | #42 |
| Healthcare | #16 | #28 |
| Schools | #8 | #14 |
| Safety | #15 | #27 |
| Economy | #24 | #47 |
| Air quality | #28 | #48 |
Ranks are out of 50 states (#1 = best). BLISS score is a cost-of-living multiplier where 1.00 = the U.S. average; lower is cheaper. Green = the better of the two.
To live the way $100,000 does in Wisconsin, you'd need about $99,000 in Illinois.
To live the way $100,000 does in Illinois, you'd need about $101,000 in Wisconsin.
Based on each state's BLISS cost score. See your real after-tax paycheck in each state below.
On $80,000 a year, your estimated take-home pay is about $61,614 in Wisconsin and $61,291 in Illinois after federal tax, FICA, and state income tax.
Calculate your exact number with the Wisconsin paycheck calculator or the Illinois paycheck calculator.
Simplified 2026 estimate for a single filer taking the standard deduction, before local taxes, benefits, and credits.
Enter your salary and get your actual paycheck after Wisconsin taxes.
Calculate my take-home pay ›Enter your salary and get your actual paycheck after Illinois taxes.
Calculate my take-home pay ›Illinois is cheaper. Its cost of living is about 1% lower, reflected in a BLISS score of 0.98 versus 0.99. A lower BLISS score means your paycheck goes further.
On our Best Life Rank, which balances cost against climate, healthcare, schools, safety, economy and air quality, Wisconsin ranks higher (#9 vs #45). But 'better' depends on your priorities, Wisconsin leads on schools, and Illinois does not come out ahead on any of the six.
Because of the cost-of-living difference, $100,000 in Wisconsin is roughly equivalent to $99,000 in Illinois for the same lifestyle. See each state's real after-tax take-home pay with our paycheck guides linked above.