Cost of Living in Wisconsin
Overall index: 98.5 — ranked #24 of 51 (near the national average).
Where your money goes in Wisconsin
Estimated spending breakdown on a $75,000 salary in Wisconsin
Estimated annual spending: $64,308($10,692 remaining)
What things cost in Wisconsin
| Item | Wisconsin | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $280,000 | $360,000 | $-80,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,386/mo | $1,400/mo | $-14 |
| Gas (regular) | $3.18/gal | $3.50/gal | $0.32 |
| Electric bill | $113/mo | $137/mo | $24 |
| Infant childcare | $16,956/yr | $13,500/yr | +$3,456 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.93 | $4.95 | $0.02 |
| Monthly groceries | $408/mo | $410/mo | $2 |
Sources: AAA gas prices, EIA electricity, Zillow ZHVI, Child Care Aware, MERIC/C2ER indices. Eggs and groceries estimated from MERIC grocery index applied to BLS averages.
Cost of living index by category
National average = 100 for each category
Salary equivalent: Wisconsin vs national average
What a salary in Wisconsin is actually worth in national-average purchasing power.
| Salary | Purchasing power | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $49,250 | $-750 |
| $75,000 | $73,875 | $-1,125 |
| $100,000 | $98,500 | $-1,500 |
| $125,000 | $123,125 | $-1,875 |
| $150,000 | $147,750 | $-2,250 |
| $200,000 | $197,000 | $-3,000 |
Negative difference means your money goes further in Wisconsin than the national average.
Compare Wisconsin with other states
FAQ
What is the cost of living in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin has an overall cost-of-living index of 98.5, making it near the national average (ranked #24 of 51 states, where #1 is most expensive). The national average is 100. Housing is the biggest factor — median home prices are $280,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,386/month.
Is Wisconsin expensive to live in?
Wisconsin is near the national average with an overall cost-of-living index of 98.5 (average = 100). Some categories may be higher or lower than average.
How much does housing cost in Wisconsin?
The median home price in Wisconsin is $280,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,386/month. Wisconsin's housing index is 99 (national average = 100), meaning housing is 1% below the national average.
How much are groceries in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin's grocery index is 99.5 (national average = 100). A dozen eggs costs approximately $4.93 and a typical monthly grocery bill for a household runs about $408, compared to the national average of $410.
What is the average electric bill in Wisconsin?
The average monthly electric bill in Wisconsin is $113 based on the state's residential rate of 12.72¢/kWh and average household consumption of 886 kWh/month (EIA 2024).
How much does childcare cost in Wisconsin?
Center-based infant childcare in Wisconsin averages $16,956/year ($1,413/month). The national average is approximately $13,500/year. This data is from Child Care Aware of America's 2024 report.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Wisconsin?
A $75,000 salary in Wisconsin has the same purchasing power as $76,142 at the national average cost of living. Your salary goes about as far as the national average. Use the calculator above with your specific salary to see how it compares.
Where does this 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
- Wisconsin Paycheck Calculator — Calculate take-home pay after Wisconsin taxes
- House Affordability in Wisconsin — How much house can you afford?
- Take-Home Pay by State — Compare Wisconsin take-home pay across all 50 states
- Compare Job Offers — Factor in salary, equity, and cost of living
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 indices, AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), and Zillow home values (2024-2025). Individual costs vary by city, neighborhood, and lifestyle.