Illinois vs Wisconsin: Travel Nurse Pay Comparison
Compare travel nurse pay, taxes, stipends, and cost of living between Illinois and Wisconsin. Based on our analysis, Illinois offers better overall take-home pay.
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Our Recommendation
Illinois
Offers approximately $304/week more in discretionary income
Higher Pay
IL
Better Taxes
IL
Lower COL
IL
Higher Stipends
IL
Best Net Income
IL
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Illinois | Wisconsin | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Hourly Rate | $48/hr | $44/hr | IL |
| Weekly Gross (incl. stipends) | $3,208 | $2,859 | IL |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 7.65% | IL |
| Est. Weekly Net Pay | $2,652 | $2,302 | IL |
| Cost of Living Index | 94.3 | 96.1 | IL |
| Average 1BR Rent | $1,200/mo | $1,000/mo | WI |
| Weekly Housing Stipend (GSA) | $840 | $686 | IL |
| Compact License State | No | Yes | — |
| Est. Weekly Discretionary Income | $2,375 | $2,071 | IL |
Illinois Overview
Pay: Illinois offers $48/hr average with $3,208/week gross including stipends.
Taxes: 4.95% state income tax, making it tax-friendly.
Cost of Living: Index of 94.3 with average rent of $1,200/mo.
Licensing: Requires separate license, $200 fee, 4-6 weeks.
Wisconsin Overview
Pay: Wisconsin offers $44/hr average with $2,859/week gross including stipends.
Taxes: 7.65% state income tax, making it less tax-friendly.
Cost of Living: Index of 96.1 with average rent of $1,000/mo.
Licensing: Compact state (eNLC), $200 fee, 2-4 weeks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which state pays travel nurses more: Illinois or Wisconsin?
Illinois offers higher gross pay at $48/hr compared to $44/hr. However, Illinois provides better take-home pay after taxes and cost of living adjustments.
Is Illinois or Wisconsin better for travel nurse taxes?
Illinois is more tax-friendly with a 4.95% state tax. Wisconsin has a 7.65% state tax.
What is the cost of living difference between Illinois and Wisconsin?
Illinois has a COL index of 94.3 while Wisconsin is 96.1. Average 1BR rent: Illinois $1200/mo vs Wisconsin $1000/mo. Illinois is more affordable overall.
Which state has higher GSA stipend rates?
Illinois offers higher tax-free stipends at $1,288/week compared to $1,099/week in Wisconsin.
Should I take a travel nurse assignment in Illinois or Wisconsin?
Based on our analysis, Illinois offers approximately $304 more in weekly discretionary income after housing. However, consider factors like licensing (Illinois requires separate license, Wisconsin is compact), job availability, and personal preferences.