Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,183 in New Jersey versus $849 in Wisconsin. Overall, Wisconsin runs roughly 28% cheaper on rent than New Jersey, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $53,766 in New Jersey and $62,546 in Wisconsin — about 14% higher in Wisconsin. New Jersey has a top state income tax rate of 10.75% and a 6.625% 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)
New Jersey vs Wisconsin — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in New Jersey or Wisconsin?
- Wisconsin is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $849 runs about 28% below New Jersey's $1,183, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in New Jersey 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 $47,000 a year in New Jersey versus $34,000 in Wisconsin.
- Which has lower taxes, New Jersey or Wisconsin?
- New Jersey has a top state income tax rate of 10.75% and a 6.625% 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 New Jersey/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.