Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $964 in Michigan versus $849 in Wisconsin. Overall, Wisconsin runs roughly 12% cheaper on rent than Michigan, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $65,526 in Michigan and $62,546 in Wisconsin — about 5% higher in Michigan. Michigan has a top state income tax rate of 4.25% 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 Michigan
Income Tax (top rate)
4.25%
7.65%
+3.4 pp in Wisconsin
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$964
$849
+12% in Michigan
Median Home Value
$225,500
$191,500
+15% in Michigan
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$65,526
$62,546
+5% in Michigan
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
49.1°F
46.5°F
+2.6°F in Michigan
Michigan vs Wisconsin — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Michigan or Wisconsin?
- Wisconsin is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $849 runs about 12% below Michigan's $964, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Michigan 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 $39,000 a year in Michigan versus $34,000 in Wisconsin.
- Which has lower taxes, Michigan or Wisconsin?
- Michigan has a top state income tax rate of 4.25% 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 3/3 cities we track in Michigan/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.