Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,705 in New York versus $849 in Wisconsin. Overall, Wisconsin runs roughly 50% cheaper on rent than New York, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $79,713 in New York and $51,888 in Wisconsin — about 35% higher in New York. New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax; Wisconsin has a top state income tax rate of 7.65% and a 5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
5%
+1.0 pp in Wisconsin
Income Tax (top rate)
10.90%
7.65%
+3.3 pp in New York
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,705
$849
+50% in New York
Median Home Value
$751,700
$172,000
+77% in New York
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$79,713
$51,888
+35% in New York
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
55.0°F
47.9°F
+7.1°F in New York
New York vs Wisconsin — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in New York or Wisconsin?
- Wisconsin is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $849 runs about 50% below New York's $1,705, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in New York 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 $68,000 a year in New York versus $34,000 in Wisconsin.
- Which has lower taxes, New York or Wisconsin?
- New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% 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 1/1 cities we track in New York/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.