Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,331 in Maine versus $849 in Wisconsin. Overall, Wisconsin runs roughly 36% cheaper on rent than Maine, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $76,174 in Maine and $62,546 in Wisconsin — about 18% higher in Maine. Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% state sales tax; Wisconsin has a top state income tax rate of 7.65% and a 5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.5%
5%
+0.5 pp in Maine
Income Tax (top rate)
7.15%
7.65%
+0.5 pp in Wisconsin
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,331
$849
+36% in Maine
Median Home Value
$452,600
$191,500
+58% in Maine
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$76,174
$62,546
+18% in Maine
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
46.5°F
46.5°F
about equal
Maine vs Wisconsin — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Maine or Wisconsin?
- Wisconsin is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $849 runs about 36% below Maine's $1,331, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Maine 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 $53,000 a year in Maine versus $34,000 in Wisconsin.
- Which has lower taxes, Maine or Wisconsin?
- Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% 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 Maine/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.