Idaho vs Wisconsin Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$75,529
in Idaho
$76,142
in Wisconsin
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Idaho | Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 100.3 | 99.0 | +1% |
| Groceries | 98.9 | 99.5 | -1% |
| Utilities | 73.0 | 91.2 | -20% |
| Transportation | 106.5 | 99.0 | +8% |
| Healthcare | 106.9 | 99.8 | +7% |
| Dining & Misc | 102.4 | 99.3 | +3% |
| Overall | 99.3 | 98.5 | +1% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Idaho.
What things actually cost
| Item | Idaho | Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $420,000 | $280,000 | +$140,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,404/mo | $1,386/mo | +$18 |
| Gas price | $3.41/gal | $3.18/gal | +$0.23 |
| Electric bill | $84/mo | $113/mo | $28 |
| Infant childcare | $9,630/yr | $16,956/yr | $7,326 |
Salary equivalent: Idaho → Wisconsin
What a Idaho salary buys you in Wisconsin, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Idaho | Equivalent in Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $49,597 | +$403 |
| $75,000 | $74,396 | +$604 |
| $100,000 | $99,194 | +$806 |
| $150,000 | $148,792 | +$1,208 |
| $200,000 | $198,389 | +$1,611 |
Positive = your money goes further in Wisconsin. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Idaho and Wisconsin have nearly identical costs of living, with overall indices of 99.3 and 98.5 (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Idaho or Wisconsin?
Idaho and Wisconsin have roughly the same cost of living, with less than 1% difference in the MERIC/C2ER composite index.
Is Wisconsin cheaper than Idaho?
Idaho and Wisconsin cost roughly the same to live in.
Is Idaho more expensive than Wisconsin?
Idaho and Wisconsin have nearly identical costs of living — the difference is less than 1%.
What salary in Wisconsin equals $100,000 in Idaho?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Idaho, you would need approximately $99,194 in Wisconsin. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (99.3 vs 98.5).
How do housing costs compare between Idaho and Wisconsin?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Wisconsin. Median home prices are $420,000 in Idaho vs $280,000 in Wisconsin — a $140,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,404/mo vs $1,386/mo.
What costs more in Idaho vs Wisconsin?
Utilities is 20% lower in Idaho (index 73 vs 91.2). Transportation is 8% higher in Idaho (index 106.5 vs 99). Healthcare is 7% higher in Idaho (index 106.9 vs 99.8).
Is gas cheaper in Idaho or Wisconsin?
Gas averages $3.41/gallon in Idaho and $3.18/gallon in Wisconsin — a $0.23 difference per gallon.
Idaho vs Wisconsin cost of living — how do they compare?
Idaho has an overall cost-of-living index of 99.3 and Wisconsin has 98.5 (national average = 100). They are nearly identical. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Wisconsin?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Idaho has a flat income tax rate of 5.80%, simplified from a progressive system. Wisconsin uses a progressive income tax with 4 brackets, topping out at 7.65% on income over $405,550. Use the Idaho vs Wisconsin paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Do I need to file state tax returns in Idaho and Wisconsin?
Idaho requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Wisconsin requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. If you move between states mid-year, you typically file a part-year resident return in each state for the income earned while living there.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Idaho Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Wisconsin Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Idaho vs Wisconsin Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Idaho — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Wisconsin — How much house can you afford?
- Idaho Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Wisconsin Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Idaho Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Wisconsin Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Idaho Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Wisconsin Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Gross-Up Calculator — Find the salary you need to hit a target take-home
- Salary to Hourly Converter — Convert annual salary to hourly rate
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.