Tennessee vs Wisconsin Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$83,241
in Tennessee
$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 | Tennessee | Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 82.4 | 99.0 | -17% |
| Groceries | 96.8 | 99.5 | -3% |
| Utilities | 88.1 | 91.2 | -3% |
| Transportation | 88.7 | 99.0 | -10% |
| Healthcare | 86.4 | 99.8 | -13% |
| Dining & Misc | 95.3 | 99.3 | -4% |
| Overall | 90.1 | 98.5 | -9% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Tennessee.
What things actually cost
| Item | Tennessee | Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $310,000 | $280,000 | +$30,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,154/mo | $1,386/mo | $232 |
| Gas price | $3.14/gal | $3.18/gal | $0.04 |
| Electric bill | $97/mo | $113/mo | $16 |
| Infant childcare | $12,249/yr | $16,956/yr | $4,707 |
Salary equivalent: Tennessee → Wisconsin
What a Tennessee salary buys you in Wisconsin, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Tennessee | Equivalent in Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $54,661 | $-4,661 |
| $75,000 | $81,992 | $-6,992 |
| $100,000 | $109,323 | $-9,323 |
| $150,000 | $163,984 | $-13,984 |
| $200,000 | $218,646 | $-18,646 |
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 9% more expensive than Tennessee overall. Wisconsin has an index of 98.5 vs 90.1 for Tennessee (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Tennessee or Wisconsin?
Tennessee is cheaper to live in. Wisconsin is 9% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $310,000 in Tennessee vs $280,000 in Wisconsin.
Is Tennessee cheaper than Wisconsin?
Yes, Tennessee is 9% 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 Tennessee?
Yes, Wisconsin is 9% more expensive than Tennessee based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Wisconsin equals $100,000 in Tennessee?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Tennessee, you would need approximately $109,323 in Wisconsin. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (90.1 vs 98.5).
How do housing costs compare between Tennessee and Wisconsin?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Wisconsin. Median home prices are $310,000 in Tennessee vs $280,000 in Wisconsin — a $30,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,154/mo vs $1,386/mo.
What costs more in Tennessee vs Wisconsin?
Housing is 17% lower in Tennessee (index 82.4 vs 99). Healthcare is 13% lower in Tennessee (index 86.4 vs 99.8). Transportation is 10% lower in Tennessee (index 88.7 vs 99).
Is gas cheaper in Tennessee or Wisconsin?
Gas averages $3.14/gallon in Tennessee and $3.18/gallon in Wisconsin — a $0.04 difference per gallon.
Tennessee vs Wisconsin cost of living — how do they compare?
Tennessee has an overall cost-of-living index of 90.1 and Wisconsin has 98.5 (national average = 100). Wisconsin is 9% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Wisconsin?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Tennessee has no state income tax on wages. It fully repealed its tax on investment income in 2021. Wisconsin uses a progressive income tax with 4 brackets, topping out at 7.65% on income over $405,550. Use the Tennessee 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 Tennessee and Wisconsin?
Tennessee 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
- Tennessee Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Wisconsin Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Tennessee vs Wisconsin Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Tennessee — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Wisconsin — How much house can you afford?
- Tennessee Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Wisconsin Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Tennessee Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Wisconsin Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Tennessee 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.