State Comparison
Minnesota vs Wisconsin
Side-by-side comparison of 16 financial metrics including taxes, housing costs, cost of living, wages, and insurance — powered by verified government data.
Overall Score
Cost of Living
Housing
Taxes
Income & Employment
Business
Insurance & Living
Key Takeaways
- 1
Wisconsin leads in 10 of 16 financial metrics, making it the more favorable state overall.
- 2
Housing: Median home prices are $330,000 in Minnesota vs $260,000 in Wisconsin — a $70,000 difference.
- 3
Taxes: Minnesota has a 9.85% top income tax rate while Wisconsin has a 7.65% top rate. Property tax rates are 1.12% vs 1.53%.
- 4
Cost of Living: Minnesota's index is 96.8 and Wisconsin's is 93.3 (national average = 100).
Run the Numbers
Use our free calculators with real Minnesota and Wisconsin data to model your specific scenario.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Minnesota or Wisconsin more affordable?
Wisconsin has a lower cost of living index (93.3) compared to Minnesota (96.8), where 100 is the national average. However, affordability depends on your specific situation — compare housing, taxes, and income together for a complete picture.
Which state has lower taxes — Minnesota or Wisconsin?
Overall, Wisconsin has a lower combined tax burden. Minnesota has a 9.85% top income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.12% property tax. Wisconsin has a 7.65% top income tax, 5% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
What are housing costs in Minnesota vs Wisconsin?
The median home price in Minnesota is $330,000 compared to $260,000 in Wisconsin. For renters, a 2-bedroom apartment averages $1,160/month in Minnesota vs $1,010/month in Wisconsin.
Which state is better for starting a business — Minnesota or Wisconsin?
LLC filing costs are $155 in Minnesota vs $130 in Wisconsin, with annual fees of $0 and $25 respectively. Minnesota's 9.85% top tax rate compared to Wisconsin's 7.65% rate may also factor into your decision.
Should I move from Minnesota to Wisconsin?
It depends on your priorities. Wisconsin wins in 10 of 16 metrics we compared. Use our free calculators to model your specific financial scenario — including salary, property tax, and cost of living for each state.
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Related Comparisons
Comparing Minnesota and Wisconsin
When deciding between living in Minnesota or Wisconsin, the financial picture goes beyond just one metric. This comparison analyzes 16 key financial indicators sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, Tax Foundation, HUD Fair Market Rent data, and Bureau of Labor Statistics to give you a comprehensive overview.
Minnesota (MN) has a median household income of $77,706 with a cost of living index of 96.8. Wisconsin (WI) has a median household income of $67,125 with a cost of living index of 93.3.
These numbers are estimates. Individual circumstances vary based on location within each state, family size, profession, and lifestyle. Use our free Minnesota calculator or Wisconsin calculator to model your specific financial scenario.
Data sources: Census Bureau ACS, Tax Foundation, HUD FMR, BLS. Last verified January 2026. Calculators provide estimates only — consult a qualified professional for financial advice.