Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,133 in Idaho versus $849 in Wisconsin. Overall, Wisconsin runs roughly 25% cheaper on rent than Idaho, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $81,308 in Idaho and $62,546 in Wisconsin — about 23% higher in Idaho. Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% and a 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
6%
5%
+1.0 pp in Idaho
Income Tax (top rate)
5.30%
7.65%
+2.4 pp in Wisconsin
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,133
$849
+25% in Idaho
Median Home Value
$456,000
$191,500
+58% in Idaho
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$81,308
$62,546
+23% in Idaho
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
52.5°F
46.5°F
+6.0°F in Idaho
Idaho vs Wisconsin — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Idaho or Wisconsin?
- Wisconsin is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $849 runs about 25% below Idaho's $1,133, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Idaho 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 $45,000 a year in Idaho versus $34,000 in Wisconsin.
- Which has lower taxes, Idaho or Wisconsin?
- Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% and a 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 1/3 cities we track in Idaho/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.