Cost of Living in Wisconsin
Things cost about ▼ 6% less in Wisconsin than the national average.
What Things Cost in Wisconsin
Compared to the US national average
See raw index numbers
US national average = 100. Source: BEA Regional Price Parities 2023.
Wisconsin is a solid-value Midwestern state with a cost of living about 5% below the national average and housing roughly 16% below. Madison, the state capital and university town, is consistently ranked among the best cities to live in America, with a thriving food scene, isthmus setting between two lakes, and one of the strongest job markets in the Midwest. Milwaukee offers big-city amenities (Summerfest, NBA Bucks, excellent breweries) at small-city prices. The state's economy is diverse: manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and a growing tech presence in Madison. The main financial drawbacks are a top income tax rate of 7.65% and property taxes that are among the highest in the Midwest.
Wisconsin at a Glance
Taxes in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's state income tax tops out at Up to 7.65%. The combined sales tax averages 5%. Property taxes run about 1.51% of home value, which on a $248,000 median home means roughly $3,745/year.
Cities in Wisconsin
Ranked from least to most expensive. Index 100 = national average.
Explore Wisconsin
FAQ About Wisconsin
Madison is more expensive than the Wisconsin average but still below most comparable college towns and capital cities nationally. Median home prices are around $248,000, and the cost of living is slightly above the national average. For a city with Madison's quality of life, job market, and cultural amenities, it remains a strong value. Nearby Sun Prairie and Middleton offer suburban alternatives at lower prices.
Yes. Milwaukee has a cost of living about 5-8% below the national average, with median home prices around $207,900. The city offers NBA basketball, world-class Summerfest, a lakefront, and distinct neighborhoods (Third Ward, Bay View, East Side) at prices that are a fraction of Chicago's. The main financial considerations are the city's income tax withholding and relatively high property taxes.
Wisconsin has a graduated income tax with four brackets: 3.5%, 4.4%, 5.3%, and 7.65%. The top rate applies to income above $315,310 for single filers. For most middle-income earners, the effective rate is in the 5-6% range. Social Security is exempt. Combined with property taxes averaging 1.61%, the total tax burden is above average, though not extreme.