Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,349 in North Carolina versus $849 in Wisconsin. Overall, Wisconsin runs roughly 37% cheaper on rent than North Carolina, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $80,431 in North Carolina and $51,888 in Wisconsin — about 35% higher in North Carolina. North Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 3.99% and a 4.75% state sales tax; Wisconsin has a top state income tax rate of 7.65% and a 5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
North Carolina vs Wisconsin — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in North Carolina or Wisconsin?
- Wisconsin is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $849 runs about 37% below North Carolina's $1,349, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in North Carolina 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 $54,000 a year in North Carolina versus $34,000 in Wisconsin.
- Which has lower taxes, North Carolina or Wisconsin?
- North Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 3.99% and a 4.75% 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 2/1 cities we track in North Carolina/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.