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 more gross discretionary income after rent.
Last updated: October 14, 2026
Our Recommendation
Illinois
Offers approximately $856/week more in gross discretionary income (before state tax)
Higher Pay
IL
Better Taxes
Tie
Lower COL
IL
Higher Stipends
IL
Best Discretionary Income
IL
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Illinois | Wisconsin | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Hourly Rate | $48/hr | $44/hr | IL |
| Weekly Gross (incl. stipends) | $4,230 | $3,328 | IL |
| State Income Tax | Applies | Applies | Tie |
| Cost of Living Index | 94.3 | 96.1 | IL |
| Average 1BR Rent | $1,200/mo | $1,000/mo | WI |
| Weekly Housing Stipend (GSA) | $1,666 | $1,008 | IL |
| Compact License State | No | Yes | — |
| Est. Weekly Discretionary Income (gross, pre-tax) | $3,953 | $3,097 | IL |
Illinois Overview
Pay: Illinois offers $48/hr average with $4,230/week gross including stipends.
Taxes: State income tax applies, 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 $3,328/week gross including stipends.
Taxes: State income tax applies, 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 offers more gross discretionary income once rent is factored in — run both through the tax calculator for your actual after-tax comparison.
Is Illinois or Wisconsin better for travel nurse taxes?
Both states levy a state income tax, so neither has a clear edge here — we don't publish specific rates, since a wrong number is worse than none. Check each state's official tax tables, or use the calculator with your own known rates to compare.
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 $2,310/week compared to $1,568/week in Wisconsin.
Should I take a travel nurse assignment in Illinois or Wisconsin?
Based on our analysis, Illinois offers approximately $856 more in weekly gross discretionary income after housing (before state tax). However, consider factors like licensing (Illinois requires separate license, Wisconsin is compact), job availability, and personal preferences.