Washington vs Wisconsin Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$66,430
in Washington
$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 | Washington | Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 118.3 | 99.0 | +19% |
| Groceries | 108.0 | 99.5 | +9% |
| Utilities | 98.8 | 91.2 | +8% |
| Transportation | 124.0 | 99.0 | +25% |
| Healthcare | 110.2 | 99.8 | +10% |
| Dining & Misc | 111.2 | 99.3 | +12% |
| Overall | 112.9 | 98.5 | +15% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Washington.
What things actually cost
| Item | Washington | Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $580,000 | $280,000 | +$300,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,656/mo | $1,386/mo | +$270 |
| Gas price | $4.69/gal | $3.18/gal | +$1.51 |
| Electric bill | $90/mo | $113/mo | $23 |
| Infant childcare | $20,677/yr | $16,956/yr | +$3,721 |
Salary equivalent: Washington → Wisconsin
What a Washington salary buys you in Wisconsin, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Washington | Equivalent in Wisconsin | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $43,623 | +$6,377 |
| $75,000 | $65,434 | +$9,566 |
| $100,000 | $87,245 | +$12,755 |
| $150,000 | $130,868 | +$19,132 |
| $200,000 | $174,491 | +$25,509 |
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
Washington is 15% more expensive than Wisconsin overall. Washington has an index of 112.9 vs 98.5 for Wisconsin (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Washington or Wisconsin?
Wisconsin is cheaper to live in. Washington is 15% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $580,000 in Washington vs $280,000 in Wisconsin.
Is Wisconsin cheaper than Washington?
Yes, Wisconsin is 15% cheaper than Washington overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Washington more expensive than Wisconsin?
Yes, Washington is 15% 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 Washington?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Washington, you would need approximately $87,245 in Wisconsin. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (112.9 vs 98.5).
How do housing costs compare between Washington and Wisconsin?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Wisconsin. Median home prices are $580,000 in Washington vs $280,000 in Wisconsin — a $300,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,656/mo vs $1,386/mo.
What costs more in Washington vs Wisconsin?
Transportation is 25% higher in Washington (index 124 vs 99). Housing is 19% higher in Washington (index 118.3 vs 99). Dining & Misc is 12% higher in Washington (index 111.2 vs 99.3).
Is gas cheaper in Washington or Wisconsin?
Gas averages $4.69/gallon in Washington and $3.18/gallon in Wisconsin — a $1.51 difference per gallon.
Washington vs Wisconsin cost of living — how do they compare?
Washington has an overall cost-of-living index of 112.9 and Wisconsin has 98.5 (national average = 100). Washington is 15% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Wisconsin?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Washington vs Wisconsin paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
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
- Washington Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Wisconsin Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Washington vs Wisconsin Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Washington — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Wisconsin — How much house can you afford?
- 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.