Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,305 in Colorado versus $849 in Wisconsin. Overall, Wisconsin runs roughly 35% cheaper on rent than Colorado, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $85,364 in Colorado and $51,888 in Wisconsin — about 39% higher in Colorado. Colorado has a top state income tax rate of 4.40% and a 2.9% state sales tax; Wisconsin has a top state income tax rate of 7.65% and a 5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
2.9%
5%
+2.1 pp in Wisconsin
Income Tax (top rate)
4.40%
7.65%
+3.3 pp in Wisconsin
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,305
$849
+35% in Colorado
Median Home Value
$586,700
$172,000
+71% in Colorado
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$85,364
$51,888
+39% in Colorado
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
50.2°F
47.9°F
+2.3°F in Colorado
Colorado vs Wisconsin — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Colorado or Wisconsin?
- Wisconsin is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $849 runs about 35% below Colorado's $1,305, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Colorado 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 $52,000 a year in Colorado versus $34,000 in Wisconsin.
- Which has lower taxes, Colorado or Wisconsin?
- Colorado has a top state income tax rate of 4.40% and a 2.9% 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 Colorado/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.