Cost of Living in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's cost of living runs genuinely close to the national average -- a real 97.4 MERIC composite index (US = 100) and a 27th-of-50-states-plus-DC affordability ranking -- shaped by a fully predictable income tax, a genuinely elevated property tax burden, and homeowners insurance running substantially below the national average.
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Learn moreA moderate, near-national-average cost of living overall
Wisconsin's overall cost of living is real and genuinely unremarkable in either direction: MERIC's Q1 2026 composite index places Wisconsin at 97.4 (US average = 100), and a separate 2026 ranking places Wisconsin 27th of 50 states plus DC on an affordability scale. This is not a standout low-cost state, but it is not an expensive one either -- distinct from Wisconsin's more clearly elevated property-tax and more clearly favorable insurance pictures.
A predictable income tax paired with a genuinely elevated property tax
Wisconsin's 4-bracket state income tax (3.54%-7.65%) carries no local add-on of any kind, making it fully predictable from income alone. Property tax runs the other direction: a disclosed 1.32%-1.85% statewide average range, well above the roughly 0.9% national average, with real county variance from Vilas County's 0.69% low to Milwaukee County's 1.82%-2.16% high.
Homeowners insurance is a real, genuine cost advantage
Wisconsin's homeowners insurance runs genuinely, substantially below the national average -- a commonly cited $1,367-$1,394/year statewide figure at standard coverage levels versus a $2,151 national average, roughly one-third cheaper, per this pass's 2026 sources. This is a real, honest contrast to Wisconsin's own elevated property-tax picture, and a genuine relocation positive worth weighing alongside it.
Housing runs moderate statewide but varies sharply by region
Wisconsin's statewide median sale price ran a real $358,877 in June 2026 (Redfin, up 5.6% year-over-year), but this blends real regional variance: Madison's median ran $445,000 over the same window, while Milwaukee's ran a markedly lower $240,000. Confirm your specific target market directly rather than budgeting off the statewide figure alone.
Key takeaways
- Wisconsin's overall cost of living sits close to the national average -- a 97.4 MERIC index (US = 100) and a 27th-of-50-plus-DC affordability ranking.
- Wisconsin's income tax is fully predictable (a 4-bracket 3.54%-7.65% structure, no local add-on), while its property tax runs genuinely elevated (a disclosed 1.32%-1.85% statewide range).
- Homeowners insurance runs roughly one-third below the national average ($1,367-$1,394/year vs. $2,151) -- a real, honest contrast to Wisconsin's elevated property tax.
- Statewide housing ($358,877 median) blends real regional variance -- Madison running well above it ($445,000) and Milwaukee well below it ($240,000).
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