Cost of living in Wisconsin
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
Prices in Wisconsin are 5.9% below the national average — a Regional Price Parity of 94.1 (U.S. = 100), making it the #20 cheapest of 51 states and DC. Compare Wisconsin with any other state below, including the effect of taxes.
- Texas vs Wisconsin prices
- 3.1% pricier
- Take-home in Wisconsin at $75,000
- $58,649$4,887 / month
- Take-home you'd need in Texas
- $60,495$5,041 / month
- Take-home in Texas at the same $75,000
- $61,593$5,133 / month
- Same salary: change in real take-home
- +1.8%+$1,097 a year in Wisconsin buying power
Equivalent after tax = the gross pay in Texas whose take-home, adjusted for Texas prices, buys what your Wisconsin take-home buys today. Statewide averages — big metros (and rent) vary a lot within a state.
How to compare Wisconsin with another state
- Enter your salary — the calculator starts with Wisconsin as your current state.
- Pick the state you're comparing with (moving to Wisconsin? press ⇄ to swap).
- Read the salary with equal buying power after taxes, and the "same salary" change in your real take-home.
Wisconsin prices by category
| Category | Wisconsin | vs U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 94.1 | −5.9% |
| Goods | 94.3 | −5.7% |
| Housing (rent) | 79.3 | −20.7% |
| Utilities | 89.9 | −10.1% |
| Other services | 99.5 | −0.5% |
Low housing costs keep Wisconsin affordable: rents run 21% below average. The overall price level rose 0.9% relative to the nation versus 2023 (93.2). Housing covers rent and the rental value of owner-occupied homes; "other services" includes health care, dining out, transportation and education.
Take-home pay in Wisconsin, adjusted for prices
| Salary | Taxes | Take-home | Real take-home | U.S.-average equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $9,222 | $40,778 | $43,337 | $53,138 |
| $75,000 | $16,351 | $58,649 | $62,330 | $79,707 |
| $100,000 | $25,248 | $74,752 | $79,444 | $106,276 |
At $75,000, Wisconsin ranks #22 of 51 for real take-home pay, after both taxes and prices. Full paycheck details: Wisconsin paycheck calculator.
What $75,000 in Wisconsin equals in other states
Prices = price level relative to Wisconsin. "Salary (after tax)" is what you'd need to earn there, single filer, to live like you do on $75,000 in Wisconsin once both prices and state taxes are counted.
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | +2.3% | $76,691 | $76,991 |
| Minnesota | +4.8% | $78,608 | $80,996 |
| Iowa | −6.7% | $69,952 | $67,949 |
| Illinois | +6.2% | $79,673 | $81,542 |
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | −7.6% | $69,295 | $67,322 |
| Mississippi | −7.6% | $69,307 | $67,273 |
| Oklahoma | −6.6% | $70,017 | $68,909 |
| California | +17.7% | $88,251 | $93,617 |
| Hawaii | +16.9% | $87,638 | $92,890 |
| Washington, DC | +16.8% | $87,598 | $91,828 |
| New Jersey | +15.6% | $86,725 | $89,660 |
| Texas | +3.1% | $77,361 | $73,440 |
| Florida | +9.9% | $82,428 | $79,072 |
| New York | +14.7% | $86,020 | $89,705 |
Moving from Wisconsin to a pricier state? The "after taxes too" column folds in state income tax, so a no-tax state can beat a cheaper state with a high income tax. Statewide averages hide large metro differences — check local rents before you move.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by State, 2024 (table SARPP, released February 19, 2026, bea.gov). Take-home pay: our 2026 federal, FICA and state income-tax engine, single filer, no pre-tax deductions; local income taxes are not included.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Wisconsin expensive to live in?
Wisconsin has a price level of 94.1 (U.S. = 100), so living costs are 5.9% below the national average. It ranks #20 of 51 from cheapest to most expensive (BEA 2024).
How much do you need to make to live in Wisconsin?
To match the buying power of a $75,000 salary at national-average prices, you need about $70,571 in Wisconsin before taxes. After Wisconsin taxes, $75,000 takes home $58,649 — worth $62,330 at U.S.-average prices, #22 of 51 states.
How much more expensive is rent in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin's housing price level is 79.3, meaning rents are 20.7% below the national average. Goods are 94.3 and utilities 89.9.
Which neighboring state is cheapest?
Iowa (price level 87.8, −6.7% vs Wisconsin). A $75,000 Wisconsin salary is equivalent to $67,949 there after taxes.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.