A data-driven snapshot comparing property taxes, sales taxes, state income taxes, and school quality across both locations. Free preview — 4 key metrics.
| Metric | 📍 Kenosha, WI | 🎯 Oswego, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Property Tax Rate | 1.80% | 2.40% |
| Sales Tax Rate | 5.50% | 8.25% |
| State Income Tax Rate | 4.50% | 4.95% |
Moving across state lines from WI to IL means adapting to a new income tax structure, different property assessment ratios, and potentially different homestead exemption rules — all factors that alter your real-dollar cost of living.
Illinois imposes a flat 4.95% state income tax on all earners regardless of income bracket — one of only a handful of states with no graduated rate. Residents of Oswego pay the same percentage whether they earn $40,000 or $400,000.
Wisconsin uses a graduated income tax system. Depending on your income bracket, residents of Kenosha face a rate between 3.5% and 7.65% — making the headline 4.5% figure a useful benchmark but not the full story for higher earners.
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These 4 metrics are just the surface. The Wealth Engine calculates your complete annual cost advantage across housing, commute, healthcare, education, and more — personalized to your income and lifestyle.
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