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A good salary in Wisconsin provides strong purchasing power thanks to moderate costs and good job markets. Here’s a complete breakdown.
Quick Answer
| Situation | Good Salary | Comfortable Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Single, WI average | $55,000-$75,000 | $45,000-$55,000 |
| Single in Madison | $62,000-$85,000 | $52,000-$62,000 |
| Single in Milwaukee | $55,000-$75,000 | $45,000-$55,000 |
| Single in Green Bay | $48,000-$65,000 | $40,000-$48,000 |
| Family of 4 | $90,000-$125,000 | $75,000-$90,000 |
Key consideration: Wisconsin has moderate state income tax but lower overall costs than neighboring Minnesota and Illinois.
Why Wisconsin Is Affordable
Wisconsin offers:
- Lower cost of living (7% below national average)
- Affordable housing compared to peer states
- Strong healthcare and education sectors
- Manufacturing base with good blue-collar wages
- High quality of life with lakes and outdoor activities
Good Salary by Wisconsin Area
Madison
State capital and home to UW-Madison with growing tech scene.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $40,000 | $75,000 |
| Comfortable | $58,000 | $100,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $80,000+ | $135,000+ |
Median home price: ~$420,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,450/month
Milwaukee
Largest city with diverse economy and affordable living.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $35,000 | $68,000 |
| Comfortable | $50,000 | $88,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $70,000+ | $120,000+ |
Median home price: ~$280,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,200/month
Green Bay
Northern Wisconsin city known for manufacturing and Packers.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $32,000 | $62,000 |
| Comfortable | $44,000 | $78,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $60,000+ | $105,000+ |
Median home price: ~$250,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,050/month
Eau Claire / La Crosse
Western Wisconsin smaller cities with low costs.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $30,000 | $58,000 |
| Comfortable | $40,000 | $72,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $55,000+ | $95,000+ |
Median home price: ~$230,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$950/month
How Much House Can You Afford in Wisconsin?
| Annual Salary | Max Home Price (28% rule) |
|---|---|
| $55,000 | $200,000-$220,000 |
| $70,000 | $260,000-$290,000 |
| $85,000 | $320,000-$355,000 |
| $100,000 | $380,000-$420,000 |
See our mortgage affordability calculators for detailed breakdowns.
Wisconsin vs. Neighboring States
| State | $70K Salary Take-Home | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $54,200 | 93 |
| Minnesota | $53,100 | 98 |
| Illinois | $52,800 | 97 |
| Michigan | $53,900 | 95 |
| Iowa | $55,400 | 89 |
Wisconsin offers a balanced combination of manageable taxes and costs.
Related Guides
- What is a good salary in Minnesota?
- What is a good salary in Illinois?
- How much house on $70K salary?
- US Income Percentile Calculator
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.” bls.gov/oes
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