Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,253 in Arizona versus $849 in Wisconsin. Overall, Wisconsin runs roughly 32% cheaper on rent than Arizona, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $77,041 in Arizona and $51,888 in Wisconsin — about 33% higher in Arizona. Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5.6% state sales tax; Wisconsin has a top state income tax rate of 7.65% and a 5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.6%
5%
+0.6 pp in Arizona
Income Tax (top rate)
2.50%
7.65%
+5.2 pp in Wisconsin
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,253
$849
+32% in Arizona
Median Home Value
$364,300
$172,000
+53% in Arizona
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$77,041
$51,888
+33% in Arizona
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
75.1°F
47.9°F
+27.2°F in Arizona
Arizona vs Wisconsin — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Arizona or Wisconsin?
- Wisconsin is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $849 runs about 32% below Arizona's $1,253, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Arizona 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 $50,000 a year in Arizona versus $34,000 in Wisconsin.
- Which has lower taxes, Arizona or Wisconsin?
- Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5.6% 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 3/1 cities we track in Arizona/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.