Wisconsin's cost of living index is 95 — 5.0% below the US average of 100. Compare purchasing power and equivalent salaries across states.
CoL Index
95
US avg = 100
vs. National Avg
-5.0%
Less expensive
Median Income
$63,293
Wisconsin median household
Equiv. at US Avg
$66,624
Same purchasing power
| CoL Index | 95 | MIT/MERIC composite index (US avg = 100) |
| vs. National | 5.0% | Below average cost |
| Median Household Income | $63,293 | Wisconsin median (2023 ACS) |
| National Purchasing Power | $66,624 | Equivalent $ at US avg CoL |
| Overall Category | Moderate | Qualitative classification |
| Population | 5,893,718 | 2020 US Census |
With a cost of living index of 95, Wisconsin is 5% below the national average. Lower costs in Wisconsin mean your dollar goes further. A salary of $63,293 in Wisconsin provides the equivalent purchasing power of $66,624 in a state at the national average.
Housing is typically the largest driver of cost of living differences between states.Wisconsin's median home price of $270,000 is near the national median of approximately $310,000. Other factors include state income tax (7.65% top rate in Wisconsin), sales tax (5.00% state rate), and local property tax rates (1.85%).
