Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,688 in California versus $849 in Wisconsin. Overall, Wisconsin runs roughly 50% cheaper on rent than California, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $83,969 in California and $51,888 in Wisconsin — about 38% higher in California. California has a top state income tax rate of 13.30% and a 7.25% state sales tax; Wisconsin has a top state income tax rate of 7.65% and a 5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
California vs Wisconsin — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in California or Wisconsin?
- Wisconsin is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $849 runs about 50% below California's $1,688, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in California 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 $68,000 a year in California versus $34,000 in Wisconsin.
- Which has lower taxes, California or Wisconsin?
- California has a top state income tax rate of 13.30% and a 7.25% 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 9/1 cities we track in California/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.