Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $877 in Kentucky versus $849 in Wisconsin. Overall, Wisconsin runs roughly 3% cheaper on rent than Kentucky, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,731 in Kentucky and $51,888 in Wisconsin — about 20% higher in Kentucky. Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% 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 Kentucky
Income Tax (top rate)
3.50%
7.65%
+4.2 pp in Wisconsin
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$877
$849
+3% in Kentucky
Median Home Value
$221,500
$172,000
+22% in Kentucky
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,731
$51,888
+20% in Kentucky
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
58.2°F
47.9°F
+10.3°F in Kentucky
Kentucky vs Wisconsin — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Kentucky or Wisconsin?
- Wisconsin is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $849 runs about 3% below Kentucky's $877, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Kentucky 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 $35,000 a year in Kentucky versus $34,000 in Wisconsin.
- Which has lower taxes, Kentucky or Wisconsin?
- Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% 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 1/1 cities we track in Kentucky/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.