Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,004 in Alabama versus $849 in Wisconsin. Overall, Wisconsin runs roughly 15% cheaper on rent than Alabama, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $44,376 in Alabama and $62,546 in Wisconsin — about 29% higher in Wisconsin. Alabama has a top state income tax rate of 5.00% and a 4% state sales tax; Wisconsin has a top state income tax rate of 7.65% and a 5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
5%
+1.0 pp in Wisconsin
Income Tax (top rate)
5.00%
7.65%
+2.7 pp in Wisconsin
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,004
$849
+15% in Alabama
Median Home Value
$138,600
$191,500
+38% in Wisconsin
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$44,376
$62,546
+41% in Wisconsin
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
63.3°F
46.5°F
+16.8°F in Alabama
Alabama vs Wisconsin — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Alabama or Wisconsin?
- Wisconsin is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $849 runs about 15% below Alabama's $1,004, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Alabama than in Wisconsin?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $40,000 a year in Alabama versus $34,000 in Wisconsin.
- Which has lower taxes, Alabama or Wisconsin?
- Alabama has a top state income tax rate of 5.00% and a 4% state sales tax. Wisconsin has a top state income tax rate of 7.65% and a 5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/3 cities we track in Alabama/Wisconsin — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.