Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,166 in Utah versus $849 in Wisconsin. Overall, Wisconsin runs roughly 27% cheaper on rent than Utah, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $74,925 in Utah and $62,546 in Wisconsin — about 17% higher in Utah. Utah has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 6.1% state sales tax; Wisconsin has a top state income tax rate of 7.65% and a 5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.1%
5%
+1.1 pp in Utah
Income Tax (top rate)
4.50%
7.65%
+3.2 pp in Wisconsin
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,166
$849
+27% in Utah
Median Home Value
$495,700
$191,500
+61% in Utah
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$74,925
$62,546
+17% in Utah
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
52.8°F
46.5°F
+6.3°F in Utah
Utah vs Wisconsin — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Utah or Wisconsin?
- Wisconsin is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $849 runs about 27% below Utah's $1,166, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Utah 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 Utah versus $34,000 in Wisconsin.
- Which has lower taxes, Utah or Wisconsin?
- Utah has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 6.1% 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 Utah/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.