Illinois vs Wisconsin
Side-by-side construction cost comparison for 2026. Building a 2,000 sq ft home in Wisconsin saves approximately $58,000.
More affordable for new construction
Wisconsin
$182/sq ft vs $211/sq ft — saves $58,000 on a 2,000 sq ft build
| Metric | Illinois | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 $/sq ft | $211 | $182 ✓ |
| 1,500 sq ft | $316,500 | $273,000 ✓ |
| 2,000 sq ft | $422,000 | $364,000 ✓ |
| 2,500 sq ft | $527,500 | $455,000 ✓ |
| Labor Index | 1.15 | 0.96 ✓ |
| Material Index | 1.09 | 0.98 ✓ |
| Avg Permit Cost | $3,000 | $2,300 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $288,000 | $288,000 |
| Home Price YoY | +3.3% | +4.1% |
| Climate | Humid continental | Humid continental |
Illinois Notes
- ›Strong union labor market in Chicago
- ›Extreme temperature swings require robust systems
- ›Deep frost line for foundations
- ›Flat terrain simplifies grading
Wisconsin Notes
- ›Cold winters require heavy insulation
- ›Deep frost line (48" in north)
- ›Moderate overall cost
- ›Strong dairy barn building tradition
Cost by Home Size
| Size | Illinois | Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 sq ft | $105,500 | $91,000 | Wisconsin saves $14,500 |
| 1,000 sq ft | $211,000 | $182,000 | Wisconsin saves $29,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $316,500 | $273,000 | Wisconsin saves $43,500 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $422,000 | $364,000 | Wisconsin saves $58,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft | $527,500 | $455,000 | Wisconsin saves $72,500 |
| 3,000 sq ft | $633,000 | $546,000 | Wisconsin saves $87,000 |
| 4,000 sq ft | $844,000 | $728,000 | Wisconsin saves $116,000 |
| 5,000 sq ft | $1,055,000 | $910,000 | Wisconsin saves $145,000 |