Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $752 in Michigan versus $849 in Wisconsin. Overall, Michigan runs roughly 11% cheaper on rent than Wisconsin, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $39,575 in Michigan and $62,546 in Wisconsin — about 37% higher in 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.
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
$752
$849
+13% in Wisconsin
Median Home Value
$76,800
$191,500
+149% in Wisconsin
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$39,575
$62,546
+58% in Wisconsin
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
50.3°F
46.5°F
+3.8°F in Michigan
Michigan vs Wisconsin — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Michigan or Wisconsin?
- Michigan is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $752 runs about 11% below Wisconsin's $849, 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 $30,000 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 1/3 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.