New Jersey vs Wisconsin Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$65,048
in New Jersey
$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 Jersey | Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 141.9 | 99.0 | +43% |
| Groceries | 103.5 | 99.5 | +4% |
| Utilities | 102.2 | 91.2 | +12% |
| Transportation | 102.1 | 99.0 | +3% |
| Healthcare | 110.8 | 99.8 | +11% |
| Dining & Misc | 104.5 | 99.3 | +5% |
| Overall | 115.3 | 98.5 | +17% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in New Jersey.
What things actually cost
| Item | New Jersey | Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $500,000 | $280,000 | +$220,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,987/mo | $1,386/mo | +$601 |
| Gas price | $3.44/gal | $3.18/gal | +$0.26 |
| Electric bill | $144/mo | $113/mo | +$32 |
| Infant childcare | $18,155/yr | $16,956/yr | +$1,199 |
Salary equivalent: New Jersey → Wisconsin
What a New Jersey salary buys you in Wisconsin, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in New Jersey | Equivalent in Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $42,715 | +$7,285 |
| $75,000 | $64,072 | +$10,928 |
| $100,000 | $85,429 | +$14,571 |
| $150,000 | $128,144 | +$21,856 |
| $200,000 | $170,859 | +$29,141 |
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 Jersey is 17% more expensive than Wisconsin overall. New Jersey has an index of 115.3 vs 98.5 for Wisconsin (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in New Jersey or Wisconsin?
Wisconsin is cheaper to live in. New Jersey is 17% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $500,000 in New Jersey vs $280,000 in Wisconsin.
Is Wisconsin cheaper than New Jersey?
Yes, Wisconsin is 17% cheaper than New Jersey overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is New Jersey more expensive than Wisconsin?
Yes, New Jersey is 17% 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 Jersey?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in New Jersey, you would need approximately $85,429 in Wisconsin. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (115.3 vs 98.5).
How do housing costs compare between New Jersey and Wisconsin?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Wisconsin. Median home prices are $500,000 in New Jersey vs $280,000 in Wisconsin — a $220,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,987/mo vs $1,386/mo.
What costs more in New Jersey vs Wisconsin?
Housing is 43% higher in New Jersey (index 141.9 vs 99). Utilities is 12% higher in New Jersey (index 102.2 vs 91.2). Healthcare is 11% higher in New Jersey (index 110.8 vs 99.8).
Is gas cheaper in New Jersey or Wisconsin?
Gas averages $3.44/gallon in New Jersey and $3.18/gallon in Wisconsin — a $0.26 difference per gallon.
New Jersey vs Wisconsin cost of living — how do they compare?
New Jersey has an overall cost-of-living index of 115.3 and Wisconsin has 98.5 (national average = 100). New Jersey is 17% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Wisconsin?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. New Jersey has a progressive income tax with 7 brackets, topping out at 10.75% 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 New Jersey 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 Jersey and Wisconsin?
New Jersey 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
- New Jersey Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Wisconsin Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- New Jersey vs Wisconsin Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in New Jersey — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Wisconsin — How much house can you afford?
- New Jersey Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Wisconsin Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- New Jersey Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Wisconsin Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- New Jersey 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.