Kansas vs Wisconsin Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$84,842
in Kansas
$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 | Kansas | Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 76.9 | 99.0 | -22% |
| Groceries | 95.9 | 99.5 | -4% |
| Utilities | 98.1 | 91.2 | +8% |
| Transportation | 90.7 | 99.0 | -8% |
| Healthcare | 94.5 | 99.8 | -5% |
| Dining & Misc | 91.4 | 99.3 | -8% |
| Overall | 88.4 | 98.5 | -10% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Kansas.
What things actually cost
| Item | Kansas | Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $215,000 | $280,000 | $65,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,077/mo | $1,386/mo | $309 |
| Gas price | $2.96/gal | $3.18/gal | $0.22 |
| Electric bill | $99/mo | $113/mo | $13 |
| Infant childcare | $9,105/yr | $16,956/yr | $7,851 |
Salary equivalent: Kansas → Wisconsin
What a Kansas salary buys you in Wisconsin, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Kansas | Equivalent in Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $55,713 | $-5,713 |
| $75,000 | $83,569 | $-8,569 |
| $100,000 | $111,425 | $-11,425 |
| $150,000 | $167,138 | $-17,138 |
| $200,000 | $222,851 | $-22,851 |
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
Wisconsin is 10% more expensive than Kansas overall. Wisconsin has an index of 98.5 vs 88.4 for Kansas (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Kansas or Wisconsin?
Kansas is cheaper to live in. Wisconsin is 10% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $215,000 in Kansas vs $280,000 in Wisconsin.
Is Kansas cheaper than Wisconsin?
Yes, Kansas is 10% cheaper than Wisconsin overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Wisconsin more expensive than Kansas?
Yes, Wisconsin is 10% more expensive than Kansas based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Wisconsin equals $100,000 in Kansas?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Kansas, you would need approximately $111,425 in Wisconsin. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (88.4 vs 98.5).
How do housing costs compare between Kansas and Wisconsin?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Kansas. Median home prices are $215,000 in Kansas vs $280,000 in Wisconsin — a $65,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,077/mo vs $1,386/mo.
What costs more in Kansas vs Wisconsin?
Housing is 22% lower in Kansas (index 76.9 vs 99). Transportation is 8% lower in Kansas (index 90.7 vs 99). Dining & Misc is 8% lower in Kansas (index 91.4 vs 99.3).
Is gas cheaper in Kansas or Wisconsin?
Gas averages $2.96/gallon in Kansas and $3.18/gallon in Wisconsin — a $0.22 difference per gallon.
Kansas vs Wisconsin cost of living — how do they compare?
Kansas has an overall cost-of-living index of 88.4 and Wisconsin has 98.5 (national average = 100). Wisconsin is 10% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Wisconsin?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Kansas uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets and a top rate of 5.70% above $30,000. Wisconsin uses a progressive income tax with 4 brackets, topping out at 7.65% on income over $405,550. Use the Kansas 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 Kansas and Wisconsin?
Kansas 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
- Kansas Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Wisconsin Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Kansas vs Wisconsin Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Kansas — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Wisconsin — How much house can you afford?
- Kansas Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Wisconsin Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Kansas Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Wisconsin Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Kansas 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.