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Midwest · East North Central

Cost of living in Wisconsin

Rent, taxes, earnings and more across all 72 Wisconsin counties.

Avg. 1-bed rent
$832/mo
Avg. household income
$71,715/yr
Avg. home value
$217,832
Avg. monthly cost
$2,868/mo
Cheapest county
Grant County
$2,610/mo for a single person
Most expensive county
St. Croix County
$3,653/mo for a single person

Last updated May 21, 2026

Taxes in Wisconsin

State income, sales and local tax rates.

State income tax
7.65%
Top marginal rate

Wisconsin has a graduated state income tax ranging from 3.5% to 7.65%.

State sales tax
5.00%
Combined sales tax
5.44%
incl. average local of 0.44%

Use our salary calculator to see your take-home pay in Wisconsin

Tax information is for general reference. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation.

Rent in Wisconsin

The average one-bedroom rent across Wisconsin is $832/mo. Rent varies from $711/mo in Bayfield County to $1,381/mo in St. Croix County.

Cheapest rent

Most expensive rent

Cheapest places to live in Wisconsin

Top 10 counties by estimated single-person monthly cost.

Rankings include rent, utilities, groceries, transport, healthcare and taxes. See our methodology.

Most expensive places to live in Wisconsin

Top 10 counties by estimated single-person monthly cost.

Highest earning counties in Wisconsin

Top 10 by average household income.

All 72 counties in Wisconsin

Sorted by population. Type to filter.

Compare any two areas in Wisconsin

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

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Frequently asked questions about Wisconsin

Common questions about cost of living, taxes and rent.

What is the cost of living in Wisconsin?

The average cost of living in Wisconsin is approximately $2,868 per month for a single person. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare and taxes. Costs range from $2,610/mo in Grant County to $3,653/mo in St. Croix County.

What is the average rent in Wisconsin?

The average one-bedroom rent in Wisconsin is $832 per month, based on HUD Fair Market Rent data across all 72 counties.

What is the average salary in Wisconsin?

The average household income in Wisconsin is $71,715 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

Does Wisconsin have state income tax?

Yes, Wisconsin has a graduated income tax ranging from 3.5% to 7.65%.

What is the sales tax in Wisconsin?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Wisconsin averages 5.44%. The state rate is 5.00% with an average local addition of 0.44%.

What are the cheapest places to live in Wisconsin?

The cheapest counties to live in Wisconsin based on overall monthly costs are: 1. Menominee County ($2,549/mo), 2. Grant County ($2,610/mo), 3. Rusk County ($2,627/mo), 4. Bayfield County ($2,630/mo), 5. Clark County ($2,641/mo).

What are the most expensive places to live in Wisconsin?

The most expensive counties to live in Wisconsin based on overall monthly costs are: 1. St. Croix County ($3,653/mo), 2. Dane County ($3,427/mo), 3. Pierce County ($3,408/mo), 4. Waukesha County ($3,402/mo), 5. Washington County ($3,329/mo).

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Journalists, researchers and bloggers are welcome to cite and share this analysis. Please include a follow link back to this page when referencing our data. For bespoke analysis, expert comment, or high-resolution graphics, get in touch via our press office.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources.

  • U.S. Census Bureau (ACS 5-Year Estimates)
  • HUD Fair Market Rents FY2025
  • Energy Information Administration (EIA)
  • Tax Foundation state and local rates
Methodology All data sources