Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,275 in Vermont versus $849 in Wisconsin. Overall, Wisconsin runs roughly 33% cheaper on rent than Vermont, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $68,854 in Vermont and $62,546 in Wisconsin — about 9% higher in Vermont. Vermont has a top state income tax rate of 8.75% 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 Vermont
Income Tax (top rate)
8.75%
7.65%
+1.1 pp in Vermont
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,275
$849
+33% in Vermont
Median Home Value
$400,200
$191,500
+52% in Vermont
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$68,854
$62,546
+9% in Vermont
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
46.0°F
46.5°F
+0.5°F in Wisconsin
Vermont vs Wisconsin — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Vermont or Wisconsin?
- Wisconsin is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $849 runs about 33% below Vermont's $1,275, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Vermont 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 $51,000 a year in Vermont versus $34,000 in Wisconsin.
- Which has lower taxes, Vermont or Wisconsin?
- Vermont has a top state income tax rate of 8.75% 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 Vermont/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.