New Hampshire vs Wisconsin Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$67,873
in New Hampshire
$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 | New Hampshire | Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 115.6 | 99.0 | +17% |
| Groceries | 99.4 | 99.5 | 0% |
| Utilities | 115.9 | 91.2 | +27% |
| Transportation | 104.0 | 99.0 | +5% |
| Healthcare | 107.9 | 99.8 | +8% |
| Dining & Misc | 111.6 | 99.3 | +12% |
| Overall | 110.5 | 98.5 | +12% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in New Hampshire.
What things actually cost
| Item | New Hampshire | Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $465,000 | $280,000 | +$185,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,618/mo | $1,386/mo | +$232 |
| Gas price | $3.42/gal | $3.18/gal | +$0.24 |
| Electric bill | $183/mo | $113/mo | +$70 |
| Infant childcare | $17,364/yr | $16,956/yr | +$408 |
Salary equivalent: New Hampshire → Wisconsin
What a New Hampshire salary buys you in Wisconsin, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in New Hampshire | Equivalent in Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $44,570 | +$5,430 |
| $75,000 | $66,855 | +$8,145 |
| $100,000 | $89,140 | +$10,860 |
| $150,000 | $133,710 | +$16,290 |
| $200,000 | $178,281 | +$21,719 |
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
New Hampshire is 12% more expensive than Wisconsin overall. New Hampshire has an index of 110.5 vs 98.5 for Wisconsin (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in New Hampshire or Wisconsin?
Wisconsin is cheaper to live in. New Hampshire is 12% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $465,000 in New Hampshire vs $280,000 in Wisconsin.
Is Wisconsin cheaper than New Hampshire?
Yes, Wisconsin is 12% cheaper than New Hampshire overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is New Hampshire more expensive than Wisconsin?
Yes, New Hampshire is 12% 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 New Hampshire?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in New Hampshire, you would need approximately $89,140 in Wisconsin. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (110.5 vs 98.5).
How do housing costs compare between New Hampshire and Wisconsin?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Wisconsin. Median home prices are $465,000 in New Hampshire vs $280,000 in Wisconsin — a $185,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,618/mo vs $1,386/mo.
What costs more in New Hampshire vs Wisconsin?
Utilities is 27% higher in New Hampshire (index 115.9 vs 91.2). Housing is 17% higher in New Hampshire (index 115.6 vs 99). Dining & Misc is 12% higher in New Hampshire (index 111.6 vs 99.3).
Is gas cheaper in New Hampshire or Wisconsin?
Gas averages $3.42/gallon in New Hampshire and $3.18/gallon in Wisconsin — a $0.24 difference per gallon.
New Hampshire vs Wisconsin cost of living — how do they compare?
New Hampshire has an overall cost-of-living index of 110.5 and Wisconsin has 98.5 (national average = 100). New Hampshire is 12% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between New Hampshire and Wisconsin?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. New Hampshire has no tax on earned wages — your entire salary is free from state income tax. The state previously taxed interest and dividends at 5% but fully phased that out in January 2025. NH is one of only 9 states with no income tax on wages, making it popular with workers commuting from Massachusetts. Wisconsin uses a progressive income tax with 4 brackets, topping out at 7.65% on income over $405,550. Use the New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire and Wisconsin?
New Hampshire has no state income tax, so residents do not file a state tax return. 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
- New Hampshire Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Wisconsin Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- New Hampshire vs Wisconsin Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- New Hampshire Paycheck Estimator — Calculate take-home pay in New Hampshire
- Wisconsin Paycheck Estimator — Calculate take-home pay in Wisconsin
- Salary After Tax by State — Take-home rankings across all 50 states
- House Affordability in New Hampshire — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Wisconsin — How much house can you afford?
- New Hampshire Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Wisconsin Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- New Hampshire 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.