Cost of Living for Wisconsin (2026)
Wisconsin (WI) Key Facts
Cost of Living Index
93
National Average Index
100
Median Household Income
$64,000
Approximate Median Rent (1 B R)
$950/month
State Income Tax Rate
7.65%
How This Calculator Works in Wisconsin
This cost of living calculator helps you compare salaries between Wisconsin and other states or cities by adjusting for purchasing power differences. Enter a salary and a target location to see what equivalent income you would need. It uses Wisconsin's cost of living index of 93 relative to the national average of 100 to provide an accurate comparison.
Wisconsin Overview
Wisconsin has a cost of living index of 93, where 100 represents the national average. Wisconsin has a below-average cost of living overall. Madison is the most expensive city due to the university and state government presence. Milwaukee and rural areas are more affordable. The median household income is $64,000, which has a purchasing power equivalent of approximately $68,817 in an average-cost location.
How Wisconsin Compares
Wisconsin's cost of living index of 93 compares to Minnesota's 97 and Illinois's 95. Residents in Wisconsin benefit from lower costs compared to the national average, meaning salaries stretch further here. The most affordable states like Mississippi (84) cost roughly 11% less than Wisconsin, while the most expensive like Hawaii (192) cost 106% more.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | COL Index: 97 | Minnesota has a cost of living index of 97 and a median household income of $77,000. It is more expensive than Wisconsin. |
| Illinois | COL Index: 95 | Illinois has a cost of living index of 95 and a median household income of $72,000. It is more expensive than Wisconsin. |
| Michigan | COL Index: 90 | Michigan has a cost of living index of 90 and a median household income of $60,000. It is more affordable than Wisconsin. |
The national average cost of living index is 100. Wisconsin's index of 93 is below the national average. States like Mississippi (84) and West Virginia (84) have the lowest cost of living, while Hawaii (192) and DC (148) have the highest. Wisconsin's median household income of $64,000 should be evaluated alongside its cost of living to understand real purchasing power.
Tips for Wisconsin Residents
- 1Wisconsin has a below-average cost of living overall. Madison is the most expensive city due to the university and state government presence. Milwaukee and rural areas are more affordable.
- 2Wisconsin's median household income of $64,000 has a real purchasing power of about $68,817 when adjusted to the national average. Compare this figure, not the raw salary, when evaluating cross-state moves or job offers.
- 3Wisconsin's top state income tax rate of 7.65% further reduces purchasing power beyond what the cost of living index alone shows. Factor in taxes when making state-to-state comparisons.
- 4When comparing job offers between states, adjust salaries by the cost of living index. A $60,000 salary in a state with an index of 90 provides more purchasing power than $70,000 in a state with an index above 105.
- 5Look beyond the state average — costs can vary dramatically within Wisconsin between metro areas, suburbs, and rural communities. Research the specific city or county where you would live.