Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Illinois and Wisconsin. Updated for 2026.
Metric
Illinois
Wisconsin
Median Home Price
$270K
$280K
Property Tax Rate
2.07%
1.76%
Avg Closing Costs
$5K
$4K
Closing Cost %
2.0%
1.4%
Transfer Tax
0.1%
0.3%
Homeowners Insurance
$1,900/yr
$1,300/yr
First-Time Buyer Program
IHDA 1stHomeIllinois
$7,500 forgivable loan
WHEDA First-Time Advantage
Up to $3,050 Easy Close grant
Verdict
Wisconsin wins 4 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. However, Illinois has a lower total cost when combining home price, closing costs, and insurance. Both states offer first-time buyer programs — explore the state pages for full details.