Massachusetts vs Wisconsin Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$50,505
in Massachusetts
$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 | Massachusetts | Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 221.0 | 99.0 | +123% |
| Groceries | 102.7 | 99.5 | +3% |
| Utilities | 154.8 | 91.2 | +70% |
| Transportation | 105.2 | 99.0 | +6% |
| Healthcare | 134.2 | 99.8 | +34% |
| Dining & Misc | 116.8 | 99.3 | +18% |
| Overall | 148.5 | 98.5 | +51% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Massachusetts.
What things actually cost
| Item | Massachusetts | Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $620,000 | $280,000 | +$340,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $3,094/mo | $1,386/mo | +$1,708 |
| Gas price | $3.41/gal | $3.18/gal | +$0.23 |
| Electric bill | $212/mo | $113/mo | +$99 |
| Infant childcare | $26,709/yr | $16,956/yr | +$9,753 |
Salary equivalent: Massachusetts → Wisconsin
What a Massachusetts salary buys you in Wisconsin, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Massachusetts | Equivalent in Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $33,165 | +$16,835 |
| $75,000 | $49,747 | +$25,253 |
| $100,000 | $66,330 | +$33,670 |
| $150,000 | $99,495 | +$50,505 |
| $200,000 | $132,660 | +$67,340 |
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
Massachusetts is 51% more expensive than Wisconsin overall. Massachusetts has an index of 148.5 vs 98.5 for Wisconsin (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Massachusetts or Wisconsin?
Wisconsin is cheaper to live in. Massachusetts is 51% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $620,000 in Massachusetts vs $280,000 in Wisconsin.
Is Wisconsin cheaper than Massachusetts?
Yes, Wisconsin is 51% cheaper than Massachusetts overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Massachusetts more expensive than Wisconsin?
Yes, Massachusetts is 51% more expensive than Wisconsin based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Wisconsin equals $100,000 in Massachusetts?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Massachusetts, you would need approximately $66,330 in Wisconsin. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (148.5 vs 98.5).
How do housing costs compare between Massachusetts and Wisconsin?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Wisconsin. Median home prices are $620,000 in Massachusetts vs $280,000 in Wisconsin — a $340,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $3,094/mo vs $1,386/mo.
What costs more in Massachusetts vs Wisconsin?
Housing is 123% higher in Massachusetts (index 221 vs 99). Utilities is 70% higher in Massachusetts (index 154.8 vs 91.2). Healthcare is 34% higher in Massachusetts (index 134.2 vs 99.8).
Is gas cheaper in Massachusetts or Wisconsin?
Gas averages $3.41/gallon in Massachusetts and $3.18/gallon in Wisconsin — a $0.23 difference per gallon.
Massachusetts vs Wisconsin cost of living — how do they compare?
Massachusetts has an overall cost-of-living index of 148.5 and Wisconsin has 98.5 (national average = 100). Massachusetts is 51% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Wisconsin?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Massachusetts has a flat income tax of 5.00% plus a 4% surtax on income over $1 million. Wisconsin uses a progressive income tax with 4 brackets, topping out at 7.65% on income over $405,550. Use the Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts and Wisconsin?
Massachusetts 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
- Massachusetts Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Wisconsin Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Massachusetts vs Wisconsin Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Massachusetts — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Wisconsin — How much house can you afford?
- Massachusetts Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Wisconsin Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Massachusetts Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Wisconsin Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Massachusetts 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.