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Wisconsin cost of living & income (2026)

Quick answer: Wisconsin has a cost-of-living index of 97.4 (100 = national baseline), an illustrative estimated annual cost of living of about $48,700, median household income of $77,488, combined average sales tax about 5.43%, and regular gas about $3.754/gal in the June 2026 AAA snapshot used on the hub.

COL index97.4100 = US baseline
Est. annual COL$48,700
Median HH income$77,488
Sales tax (comb.)5.43%
Gas (87 octane)$3.754/galJune 2026 AAA
Largest cityMilwaukee (561,385)

Taxes & economy

Income tax: Graduated/flat hybrid up to 7.65%

Sales tax: 5% state (combined avg. ~5.43%)

Major industries: Manufacturing (machinery, autos, paper), agriculture (dairy, cranberries), tourism, healthcare

Climate snapshot

Summer high ~81°F (July) · Winter low ~12°F (January)

Culture (context)

Milwaukee Art Museum / Harley-Davidson Museum

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FAQ

What is Wisconsin's cost of living index?

Wisconsin's cost-of-living index is 97.4 (national baseline 100) in this 2026 classroom snapshot.

What is the estimated annual cost of living in Wisconsin?

The explorer lists an illustrative estimated annual cost of living of about $48,700 for Wisconsin.

What is median household income in Wisconsin?

Median household income in Wisconsin is $77,488 in this dataset.

What is the combined average sales tax rate in Wisconsin?

The combined average sales tax rate shown for Wisconsin is 5.43%. State and local rules vary; see the Tax Foundation citation on the hub.

Does Wisconsin have a state income tax?

State income tax in Wisconsin: Graduated/flat hybrid up to 7.65%.

What was regular gas in Wisconsin in this snapshot?

87-octane gas is listed at $3.754 per gallon (AAA, June 2026) in the explorer data.

Sources on the hub: Tax Foundation (sales tax), BEA / ACS (income & COL), AAA gas (June 20, 2026). Educational snapshot — not relocation or tax advice.