Mississippi vs Wisconsin Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$87,209
in Mississippi
$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 | Mississippi | Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 71.6 | 99.0 | -28% |
| Groceries | 95.5 | 99.5 | -4% |
| Utilities | 89.4 | 91.2 | -2% |
| Transportation | 88.3 | 99.0 | -11% |
| Healthcare | 94.3 | 99.8 | -6% |
| Dining & Misc | 91.8 | 99.3 | -8% |
| Overall | 86.0 | 98.5 | -13% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Mississippi.
What things actually cost
| Item | Mississippi | Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $175,000 | $280,000 | $105,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,002/mo | $1,386/mo | $384 |
| Gas price | $3.05/gal | $3.18/gal | $0.13 |
| Electric bill | $97/mo | $113/mo | $16 |
| Infant childcare | $6,868/yr | $16,956/yr | $10,088 |
Salary equivalent: Mississippi → Wisconsin
What a Mississippi salary buys you in Wisconsin, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Mississippi | Equivalent in Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $57,267 | $-7,267 |
| $75,000 | $85,901 | $-10,901 |
| $100,000 | $114,535 | $-14,535 |
| $150,000 | $171,802 | $-21,802 |
| $200,000 | $229,070 | $-29,070 |
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 13% more expensive than Mississippi overall. Wisconsin has an index of 98.5 vs 86 for Mississippi (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Mississippi or Wisconsin?
Mississippi is cheaper to live in. Wisconsin is 13% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $175,000 in Mississippi vs $280,000 in Wisconsin.
Is Mississippi cheaper than Wisconsin?
Yes, Mississippi is 13% 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 Mississippi?
Yes, Wisconsin is 13% more expensive than Mississippi based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Wisconsin equals $100,000 in Mississippi?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Mississippi, you would need approximately $114,535 in Wisconsin. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (86 vs 98.5).
How do housing costs compare between Mississippi and Wisconsin?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Mississippi. Median home prices are $175,000 in Mississippi vs $280,000 in Wisconsin — a $105,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,002/mo vs $1,386/mo.
What costs more in Mississippi vs Wisconsin?
Housing is 28% lower in Mississippi (index 71.6 vs 99). Transportation is 11% lower in Mississippi (index 88.3 vs 99). Dining & Misc is 8% lower in Mississippi (index 91.8 vs 99.3).
Is gas cheaper in Mississippi or Wisconsin?
Gas averages $3.05/gallon in Mississippi and $3.18/gallon in Wisconsin — a $0.13 difference per gallon.
Mississippi vs Wisconsin cost of living — how do they compare?
Mississippi has an overall cost-of-living index of 86 and Wisconsin has 98.5 (national average = 100). Wisconsin is 13% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Mississippi and Wisconsin?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Mississippi has a flat income tax rate of 4.00% for 2026, reduced from 4.40% in 2025. Wisconsin uses a progressive income tax with 4 brackets, topping out at 7.65% on income over $405,550. Use the Mississippi 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 Mississippi and Wisconsin?
Mississippi 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
- Mississippi Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Wisconsin Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Mississippi vs Wisconsin Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- Mississippi Paycheck Estimator — Calculate take-home pay in Mississippi
- Wisconsin Paycheck Estimator — Calculate take-home pay in Wisconsin
- Salary After Tax by State — Take-home rankings across all 50 states
- House Affordability in Mississippi — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Wisconsin — How much house can you afford?
- Mississippi Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Wisconsin Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Mississippi 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
- Pay Raise Calculator — See how a raise changes your take-home pay
- 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.