Wisconsin vs Minnesota: Which Is Better to Live In?
Wisconsin ranks #11 of 50 overall and Minnesota #12 as of the latest release. Wisconsin is cheaper to live in (cost of living index 94.1 vs 98.6), has a 1.4-point lower tax burden, and has a 7% higher violent crime rate. Overall they are 0.2 points apart, too close to call: Wisconsin leads 4 of 11 categories, Minnesota leads 4.
- Property crime rate is 28% lower in Wisconsin (1,017 vs. 1,412 in Minnesota).
- Total tax burden is 15% lower in Wisconsin (8.31% vs. 9.72% in Minnesota).
- Residential electricity price is 13% lower in Minnesota (15.82¢/kWh vs. 18.16¢/kWh in Wisconsin).
| Measure | WisconsinWI | MinnesotaMN | GapWI−MN | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall scorecomposite of 100, rank of 50Gap +0.2 pts | 70.6#11 of 50 · B+ | 70.4#12 of 50 · B+ | +0.2 pts | — | Even |
| Cost of living indexUS = 100Gap -4.5 pts (-5%) · US 100 | 94.1#20 of 50 | 98.6#30 of 50 | -4.5 pts-5% | 100 | WI |
| Left after costs, family of fourearning $75K a yearGap +$3,539 · US -$11,758 | -$20,997#32 of 50 | -$24,536#37 of 50 | +$3,539 | -$11,758 | WI |
| Typical home valuetypical home, modeled estimateGap -$11,053 (-3%) · US $368,697 | $339,699#25 of 50 | $350,752#26 of 50 | -$11,053-3% | $368,697 | WI |
| Total state and local tax burdenshare of incomeGap -1.41 pts · US 8.74% | 8.31%#19 of 50 | 9.72%#40 of 50 | -1.41 pts | 8.74% | WI |
| Violent crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap +17 (+8%) · US 328 | 240#18 of 50 | 224#13 of 50 | +17+8% | 328 | MN |
| Median household incomeGap -$9,629 (-11%) · US $80,903 | $77,488#28 of 50 | $87,117#14 of 50 | -$9,629-11% | $80,903 | MN |
| High school graduation rateGap +6.7 pts · US 85.62% | 90.3%#3 of 50 | 83.6%#35 of 50 | +6.7 pts | 85.62% | WI |
| Life expectancyGap -1.2 yrs · US 76.9 | 78.1#16 of 50 | 79.3#6 of 50 | -1.2 yrs | 76.9 | MN |
| Net householdsIRS, householdsGap +5,622 · US -33 | +516#24 of 50 | -5,106#39 of 50 | +5,622 | -33 | WI |
Cost of living index from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (US = 100). Left after costs from the America's Dashboard affordability engine for a family of four earning $75,000. Typical home value from Zillow Research. Tax burden from WalletHub. Violent crime from the FBI, per 100,000 residents. Income and graduation from the Census Bureau and NCES. Life expectancy from the CDC. Net households from IRS Statistics of Income. US column is the 50-state average or median.
Is Wisconsin or Minnesota better to live in?
Wisconsin scores 70.6 and Minnesota scores 70.4 out of 100, a 0.2-point gap this site treats as even. Wisconsin leads 4 of 11 categories, Minnesota leads 4, and 3 are within 3 points.
| Category | Weight | WisconsinWI | MinnesotaMN | Gap | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy15% of scoregap +1.7 | 15% | 54.8#13 · B+ | 53.1#15 · B+ | +1.7 pts | Even |
| Safety12% of scoregap +4.5 | 12% | 81.6#8 · A | 77.1#18 · B+ | +4.5 pts | WI |
| Health12% of scoregap -14 | 12% | 60.5#18 · B+ | 74.5#9 · A | -14 pts | MN |
| Education12% of scoregap +11.8 | 12% | 76.5#4 · A+ | 64.7#19 · B | +11.8 pts | WI |
| Affordability10% of scoregap +6.7 | 10% | 69.8#25 · B | 63.1#29 · C+ | +6.7 pts | WI |
| Fiscal Health8% of scoregap +4.4 | 8% | 63.6#18 · B+ | 59.2#26 · B | +4.4 pts | WI |
| Growth7% of scoregap -0.7 | 7% | 40.0#26 · B | 40.7#25 · B | -0.7 pts | Even |
| Transportation7% of scoregap -7.3 | 7% | 52.3#22 · B | 59.6#5 · A+ | -7.3 pts | MN |
| Livability7% of scoregap -0.6 | 7% | 35.9#18 · B+ | 36.5#17 · B+ | -0.6 pts | Even |
| Outdoor Access6% of scoregap -6.8 | 6% | 23.9#25 · B | 30.7#21 · B | -6.8 pts | MN |
| Environment4% of scoregap -10.4 | 4% | 40.6#26 · B | 51.0#12 · B+ | -10.4 pts | MN |
Scores run 0 to 100 within each category; weight is the category's share of the composite. Grades follow rank (1–5 A+, 6–10 A, 11–18 B+, 19–26 B, 27–34 C+, 35–42 C, 43–48 D, 49–50 F). Methodology →
Is Wisconsin cheaper than Minnesota?
Wisconsin is cheaper: cost of living index 94.1 vs 98.6 in Minnesota (US = 100). A family of four earning $75,000 keeps $3,539 more a year in Wisconsin after housing, childcare, utilities, groceries, transportation and taxes.
| Measure | WisconsinWI | MinnesotaMN | GapWI−MN | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexUS = 100Gap -4.5 pts (-5%) · US 100 | 94.1#20 of 50 | 98.6#30 of 50 | -4.5 pts-5% | 100 | WI |
| Price level for goodsUS = 100Gap -6.2 pts (-6%) · US 100 | 94.3#8 of 50 | 100.5#41 of 50 | -6.2 pts-6% | 100 | WI |
| Residential electricity priceGap +2.34¢ (+15%) · US 17.84¢/kWh | 18.16¢/kWh#36 of 50 | 15.82¢/kWh#29 of 50 | +2.34¢+15% | 17.84¢/kWh | MN |
| Residential natural gas priceGap -$0.24 (-2%) · US $15.83/Mcf | $10.74/Mcf#8 of 50 | $10.98/Mcf#10 of 50 | -$0.24-2% | $15.83/Mcf | Even |
| Gasoline priceGap +$0.13 (+4%) · US $3.32/gal | $3.28/gal#30 of 50 | $3.15/gal#20 of 50 | +$0.13+4% | $3.32/gal | MN |
| Center-based infant care, per yearGap -$1,988 (-10%) · US $15,633 | $18,604#36 of 50 | $20,592#41 of 50 | -$1,988-10% | $15,633 | WI |
Cost of living index and the price level for goods from the Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (US = 100). Electricity, natural gas and gasoline prices from the EIA; center-based infant care from Child Care Aware of America. Lower is ahead.
| Measure | WisconsinWI | MinnesotaMN | GapWI−MN | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Adultearning $75,000Gap +$458 | +$30,650costs $44,350 | +$30,192costs $44,807 | +$458 | Even |
| Couple, No Kidsearning $75,000Gap +$8 | +$22,095costs $52,904 | +$22,087costs $52,914 | +$8 | Even |
| Family of 4earning $75,000Gap +$3,539 | -$20,997costs $95,997 | -$24,536costs $99,536 | +$3,539 | WI |
| Retiree Coupleearning $75,000Gap +$157 | +$35,155costs $39,845 | +$34,998costs $40,002 | +$157 | Even |
Income left after housing, childcare, utilities, groceries, transportation and state and local taxes for four household types earning $75,000, from the affordability engine. Negative means typical costs exceed take-home pay.
| Measure | WisconsinWI | MinnesotaMN | GapWI−MN | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HousingGap +$1,048 | $26,014 | $24,966 | +$1,048 | MN |
| ChildcareGap -$3,976 | $37,208 | $41,184 | -$3,976 | WI |
| UtilitiesGap -$216 | $4,517 | $4,733 | -$216 | Even |
| GroceriesGap -$698 | $10,621 | $11,319 | -$698 | WI |
| TransportationGap +$409 | $10,309 | $9,900 | +$409 | Even |
| State and local taxesGap -$106 | $7,328 | $7,434 | -$106 | Even |
Annual cost lines for a family of four (two adults, two children). Lower is ahead.
Which has lower taxes, Wisconsin or Minnesota?
Wisconsin collects a smaller share of income in state and local taxes: 8.31% vs 9.72%. Wisconsin has high income tax, high property tax, low sales tax; Minnesota has high income tax, with property and sales taxes in the middle of the pack.
| Measure | WisconsinWI | MinnesotaMN | GapWI−MN | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total state and local tax burdenshare of incomeGap -1.41 pts · US 8.74% | 8.31%#19 of 50 | 9.72%#40 of 50 | -1.41 pts | 8.74% | WI |
| Top state income tax ratetop rateGap -2.2 pts · US 5.46% | 7.65%#40 of 50 | 9.85%#45 of 50 | -2.2 pts | 5.46% | WI |
| Effective property tax rateeffective rateGap +0.54 pts · US 1.02% | 1.59%#43 of 50 | 1.05%#31 of 50 | +0.54 pts | 1.02% | MN |
| Combined state and local sales taxstate + localGap -2.42 pts · US 6.66% | 5.72%#9 of 50 | 8.14%#36 of 50 | -2.42 pts | 6.66% | WI |
Total tax burden (state and local taxes as a share of personal income) from WalletHub; top marginal income tax rate, effective property tax rate and combined state and local sales tax from the Tax Foundation. Lower is ahead.
Are homes more expensive in Wisconsin or Minnesota?
Homes cost 3% more in Minnesota: a typical home value of $339,699 in Wisconsin vs $350,752 in Minnesota. Buying the typical home takes about $95,433 of income in Wisconsin and $98,911 in Minnesota; the median household earns $77,488 and $87,117.
| Measure | WisconsinWI | MinnesotaMN | GapWI−MN | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical home valuetypical home, modeled estimateGap -$11,053 (-3%) · US $368,697 | $339,699#25 of 50 | $350,752#26 of 50 | -$11,053-3% | $368,697 | WI |
| Home value change, one yearGap +2.6 pts · US +1.2% | +5.1%#5 of 50 | +2.5%#21 of 50 | +2.6 pts | +1.2% | WI |
| Typical rent, largest metrolargest metro, per monthGap -$156 (-9%) · US $1,948 | $1,563#19 of 50 | $1,719#24 of 50 | -$156-9% | $1,948 | WI |
| Income needed to buyto buy the typical homeGap -$3,478 (-4%) · US $100,006 | $95,433#25 of 50 | $98,911#29 of 50 | -$3,478-4% | $100,006 | WI |
| Home value to income ratioGap +0.4x (+10%) · US 4.6x | 4.4x#25 of 50 | 4x#19 of 50 | +0.4x+10% | 4.6x | MN |
Typical home value, one-year change, largest-metro rent and income needed to buy from Zillow Research (a modeled estimate, not a median). Price-to-income ratio divides that typical home value by ACS median household income. Lower is ahead.
| WI | MN | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly payment, 20% down | $1,748 | $1,805 |
| Income needed vs. median | +23% | +14% |
| Five-year change | +31.1% | +14.1% |
| Market temperature | Warm | Cool |
| Largest metro | Milwaukee | Minneapolis |
Income needed vs. median: how far the income required to buy the typical home sits above (+) or below (−) the state's median household income. Temperature blends price cuts, days to pending and inventory against the national market (Zillow).
Do people earn more in Wisconsin or Minnesota?
Minnesota pays more: median household income $87,117 vs $77,488, with unemployment at 3.2% in Wisconsin and 3.9% in Minnesota. Across 20 occupations with BLS wage data in both states, Wisconsin's best-paying metro comes out ahead in 1 after adjusting for local costs and Minnesota's in 9.
| Measure | WisconsinWI | MinnesotaMN | GapWI−MN | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeGap -$9,629 (-11%) · US $80,903 | $77,488#28 of 50 | $87,117#14 of 50 | -$9,629-11% | $80,903 | MN |
| Unemployment rateGap -0.7 pts · US 3.95% | 3.2%#8 of 50 | 3.9%#23 of 50 | -0.7 pts | 3.95% | WI |
| GDP per capitaGap -$11,464 (-16%) · US $64,333 | $59,815#30 of 50 | $71,279#13 of 50 | -$11,464-16% | $64,333 | MN |
| Real GDP growthGap -0.6 pts · US +1.91% | +1.6%#32 of 50 | +2.2%#19 of 50 | -0.6 pts | +1.91% | MN |
| Population growthGap -0.31 pts · US +0.51% | +0.26%#36 of 50 | +0.57%#21 of 50 | -0.31 pts | +0.51% | Even |
Median household income from the Census Bureau ACS; unemployment from BLS LAUS; GDP per capita and real GDP growth from the BEA; population growth from Census Bureau estimates.
Show all 20 occupations
| Occupation | WI | MN | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family Medicine Physicians | $235,570$219,080 in Madison | $247,865$242,908 in Minneapolis | MN |
| Dietitians & Nutritionists | $72,169$67,117 in Madison | $80,332$78,725 in Minneapolis | MN |
| Lawyers | $159,830$148,642 in Milwaukee | $153,543$150,472 in Minneapolis | WI |
| Computer Systems Analysts | $112,575$104,695 in Madison | $117,497$115,147 in Minneapolis | MN |
| Police & Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $80,384$74,757 in Madison | $85,017$83,317 in Minneapolis | MN |
| Sales Representatives (Wholesale/Manufacturing) | $70,619$65,676 in Madison | $74,902$73,404 in Minneapolis | MN |
| General & Operations Managers | $108,261$100,683 in Madison | $112,218$109,974 in Minneapolis | MN |
| Software Developers | $143,200$133,176 in Milwaukee | $147,131$144,188 in Minneapolis | Even |
| Electricians | $66,432$61,782 in Milwaukee | $69,341$67,954 in Minneapolis | MN |
| Registered Nurses | $93,505$86,960 in Milwaukee | $96,329$94,402 in Minneapolis | Even |
| Accountants & Auditors | $88,282$82,102 in Madison | $85,719$84,005 in Minneapolis | Even |
| Secondary School Teachers | $71,514$66,508 in Madison | $73,829$72,352 in Minneapolis | MN |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $36,595$34,033 in Milwaukee | $38,897$38,119 in Minneapolis | MN |
| Civil Engineers | $105,622$98,228 in Madison | $107,509$105,359 in Minneapolis | Even |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | $61,763$57,440 in Madison | $60,598$59,386 in Minneapolis | Even |
| Mental Health Counselors | $57,405$53,387 in Milwaukee | $58,550$57,379 in Minneapolis | Even |
| Construction Laborers | $44,939$41,793 in Madison | $45,964$45,045 in Minneapolis | Even |
| Welders, Cutters & Brazers | $52,176$48,524 in Milwaukee | $52,704$51,650 in Minneapolis | Even |
| HVAC Mechanics & Installers | $60,992$56,723 in Madison | $60,722$59,508 in Minneapolis | Even |
| Heavy & Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $59,692$55,514 in Milwaukee | $59,753$58,558 in Minneapolis | Even |
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, latest release: the median wage in each state's best-paying metro, adjusted for that metro's cost of living (BEA regional price parities). Sorted by the size of the gap.
Is Wisconsin safer than Minnesota?
Minnesota is safer: 224 violent crimes per 100,000 residents vs 240 in Wisconsin (FBI). Property crime runs 1,017 and 1,412 per 100,000.
| Measure | WisconsinWI | MinnesotaMN | GapWI−MN | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap +17 (+8%) · US 328 | 240#18 of 50 | 224#13 of 50 | +17+8% | 328 | MN |
| Property crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap -395 (-28%) · US 1,535 | 1,017#5 of 50 | 1,412#22 of 50 | -395-28% | 1,535 | WI |
FBI state crime estimates, offenses per 100,000 residents, latest release. Florida and North Dakota use the FBI's prior-year estimate because the latest year is based on limited data. Lower is ahead.
- New Berlin, WI47 violent per 100K
- Edina, MN52 violent per 100K
Among each state's 20 tracked cities, latest FBI release.
Which has better schools and health, Wisconsin or Minnesota?
Wisconsin scores higher for education (#4 of 50 vs #19), with high school graduation rates of 90.3% and 83.6%. Minnesota scores higher for health (#9 vs #18); life expectancy is 78.1 years in Wisconsin and 79.3 in Minnesota.
| Measure | WisconsinWI | MinnesotaMN | GapWI−MN | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NAEP math score, grade 8Gap +1 · US 273 | 283#2 of 50 | 282#3 of 50 | +1 | 273 | Even |
| NAEP reading score, grade 8Gap 0 · US 257 | 260#13 of 50 | 260#14 of 50 | 0 | 257 | Even |
| High school graduation rateGap +6.7 pts · US 85.62% | 90.3%#3 of 50 | 83.6%#35 of 50 | +6.7 pts | 85.62% | WI |
| Life expectancyGap -1.2 yrs · US 76.9 | 78.1#16 of 50 | 79.3#6 of 50 | -1.2 yrs | 76.9 | MN |
| Adults with obesityGap +5.1 pts · US 34.03% | 37.4%#41 of 50 | 32.3%#15 of 50 | +5.1 pts | 34.03% | MN |
| Residents without health insuranceGap +0.2 pts · US 7.6% | 5.3%#10 of 50 | 5.1%#7 of 50 | +0.2 pts | 7.6% | Even |
| Median air quality indexmedian AQI, lower is cleanerGap +1 pts (+3%) · US 38.8 | 37#16 of 50 | 36#13 of 50 | +1 pts+3% | 38.8 | Even |
High school graduation rate from NCES; life expectancy from the CDC National Center for Health Statistics; median air quality index from EPA AirData (lower is cleaner).
- Brookfield, WIeducation score 98
- Eden Prairie, MNeducation score 94.3
City education scores blend graduation rate, student-teacher ratio and per-pupil spending (NCES). State education scores combine NAEP math and reading with the graduation rate; health scores combine life expectancy, adult obesity and the uninsured rate. Education: Wisconsin #4, Minnesota #19. Health: Wisconsin #18, Minnesota #9.
Are more people moving from Wisconsin to Minnesota, or from Minnesota to Wisconsin?
8,321 households moved from Wisconsin to Minnesota and 8,003 moved from Minnesota to Wisconsin in the latest IRS release, a net gain of 318 households for Minnesota. Movers to Minnesota reported an average income of $60,446; movers to Wisconsin reported $78,834. The Census Bureau's American Community Survey, counting people, shows 20,316 people (±3,235) moving from Wisconsin to Minnesota and 23,463 (±3,257) the other way, a gap inside the margin of error, so the flows are roughly balanced.
Bars show people (Census ACS, latest release, with 90% margins of error). IRS counts tax-filing households and reports the movers' average income; pairs outside a state's top ten origins and destinations are not published.
| Measure | WisconsinWI | MinnesotaMN | GapWI−MN | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Households moving inIRSGap +3,344 (+6%) | 56,675#24 of 50 | 53,331#26 of 50 | +3,344+6% | WI |
| Households moving outIRSGap -2,278 (-4%) | 56,159#26 of 50 | 58,437#28 of 50 | -2,278-4% | WI |
| Net householdsIRS, householdsGap +5,622 | +516#24 of 50 | -5,106#39 of 50 | +5,622 | WI |
| Net households per 1,000 residentsIRS, per 1,000 residentsGap +1.0 | +0.1#25 of 50 | -0.9#36 of 50 | +1.0 | WI |
| Average income of arriving householdsIRSGap +$1,897 (+3%) | $72,373#32 of 50 | $70,476#33 of 50 | +$1,897+3% | Even |
| Average income of departing householdsIRSGap -$15,039 (-17%) | $74,386#24 of 50 | $89,425#8 of 50 | -$15,039-17% | MN |
| Net domestic migration per 1,000 residentsCensus, per 1,000 residentsGap -0.2 | +1.2#23 of 50 | +1.4#22 of 50 | -0.2 | Even |
Each state's total inbound and outbound households and the movers' average income from IRS Statistics of Income; net domestic migration per 1,000 residents from Census Bureau population estimates. Latest releases.
Which is better for retirees, families or remote workers, Wisconsin or Minnesota?
Wisconsin is the better fit for families and small business; Minnesota is the better fit for outdoor enthusiasts; 3 of the six lifestyle indexes are within 4 places. Each index re-weights the same 11 category scores for one kind of household.
| Measure | WisconsinWI | MinnesotaMN | GapWI−MN | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FamiliesGap -11 places | #4score 81.6 | #15score 77.9 | -11 places | WI |
| RetireesGap +2 places | #13score 72.5 | #11score 75.6 | +2 places | Even |
| Remote WorkersGap -1 places | #12score 59.9 | #13score 59.7 | -1 places | Even |
| Young ProfessionalsGap +1 places | #12score 63.5 | #11score 63.9 | +1 places | Even |
| Small BusinessGap -6 places | #11score 68.2 | #17score 63.2 | -6 places | WI |
| Outdoor EnthusiastsGap +10 places | #22score 50.4 | #12score 58.6 | +10 places | MN |
Rank of 50 on each lifestyle index. A state is called ahead when the ranks are at least 4 places apart.
- FamiliesWisconsin (#4 vs #15)
- RetireesEven (#13 vs #11)
- Remote WorkersEven (#12 vs #13)
- Young ProfessionalsEven (#12 vs #11)
- Small BusinessWisconsin (#11 vs #17)
- Outdoor EnthusiastsMinnesota (#12 vs #22)
Which cities stand out in Wisconsin and Minnesota?
Wisconsin has 20 tracked cities and Minnesota has 20; the largest are Milwaukee and Minneapolis. The table picks the best city in each state for one purpose at a time.
| Best for | WisconsinWI | MinnesotaMN |
|---|---|---|
| Largest citypopulation | Milwaukee566,973 people | Minneapolis427,246 people |
| Highest composite scorecomposite score | Brookfieldscore 71.8 | Edinascore 72.2 |
| Safest cityviolent crime per 100,000 | New Berlin47 violent per 100K | Edina52 violent per 100K |
| Cheapest citycost of living index | Fond du Laccost index 91.6 | St. Cloudcost index 87.6 |
| Most walkableEPA walkability index, 1 to 20 | West Alliswalkability 14.6 of 20 | Minneapoliswalkability 14.9 of 20 |
| Cleanest airmedian air quality index, county | Wausaucounty median AQI 36 | St. Paulcounty median AQI 34 |
| Best schoolsgraduation rate, % | Brookfield98% graduation rate | Eden Prairie94.3% graduation rate |
| Richest citymedian household income | Brookfieldmedian income $129,548 | Lakevillemedian income $139,041 |
| Fastest growingpopulation growth, % | Menomonee Falls+1.8% growth | Minnetonka+2.2% growth |
Among the 20 tracked cities in each state. Census ACS, FBI, NCES and BEA data, latest releases.
How do Wisconsin and Minnesota compare on everything else?
State finances, environment, and getting around. Wisconsin carries AA credit rating and Minnesota AAA.
Show fiscal, environment and commuting tables
| Measure | WisconsinWI | MinnesotaMN | GapWI−MN | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renewable share of electricityGap -23 pts · US 29.34% | 13%#31 of 50 | 36%#16 of 50 | -23 pts | 29.34% | MN |
| FEMA natural disaster risk indexFEMA index, lower is saferGap -1.3 (-5%) · US 29.6 | 25.4#23 of 50 | 26.7#25 of 50 | -1.3-5% | 29.6 | WI |
| Public land shareGap -5.1 pts · US 17.16% | 5.8%#32 of 50 | 10.9%#20 of 50 | -5.1 pts | 17.16% | MN |
| Mean travel time to workGap 0 min · US 25.2 min | 22.7 min#10 of 50 | 22.7 min#11 of 50 | 0 min | 25.2 min | Even |
| Commuters using public transitGap -0.4 pts · US 2.29% | 1.4%#20 of 50 | 1.8%#17 of 50 | -0.4 pts | 2.29% | Even |
| Workers working from homeGap -2.9 pts · US 12.28% | 11.8%#27 of 50 | 14.7%#15 of 50 | -2.9 pts | 12.28% | MN |
| Households with a broadband subscriptionGap -0.6 pts · US 92.67% | 92.3%#32 of 50 | 92.9%#22 of 50 | -0.6 pts | 92.67% | MN |
Renewable share of electricity from the EIA; natural disaster risk from FEMA's National Risk Index; public land share from USGS PAD-US; mean travel time to work, transit and work-from-home shares from the Census Bureau ACS; households with a broadband subscription from the Census Bureau ACS.
| Measure | WisconsinWI | MinnesotaMN | GapWI−MN | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit ratingindex, 100 = AAAGap -10 pts · US 92.7 | 90#30 of 50 | 100#5 of 50 | -10 pts | 92.7 | MN |
| Rainy-day fund, share of spendingGap +0.1 pts · US 12.39% | 8.2%#36 of 50 | 8.1%#37 of 50 | +0.1 pts | 12.39% | Even |
| Pension funded ratioGap +21 pts · US 74.3% | 100%#2 of 50 | 79%#18 of 50 | +21 pts | 74.3% | WI |
| State debt per capitaGap -$600 (-17%) · US $3,506 | $2,860#25 of 50 | $3,460#34 of 50 | -$600-17% | $3,506 | WI |
| Budget balance, share of spendingGap +3.3 pts · US +4.66% | +5.8%#16 of 50 | +2.5%#41 of 50 | +3.3 pts | +4.66% | WI |
Credit rating index (S&P / Moody's; Wisconsin AA, Minnesota AAA), rainy-day fund and budget balance as a share of spending (Pew, NASBO), pension funded ratio (Pew) and state debt per capita (Census Bureau).
Wisconsin vs Minnesota: every metric side by side
Every measure behind the category scores, with each state's rank of 50 and the US figure. Wisconsin is ahead on 20 of 51, Minnesota on 16, and 15 are even.
Show all 54 metrics
| Measure | WisconsinWI | MinnesotaMN | GapWI−MN | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PopulationGap +142,382 (+2%) · US 6.8 million | 6 million#21 of 50 | 5.8 million#22 of 50 | +142,382+2% | 6.8 million | Even |
| Median household incomeGap -$9,629 (-11%) · US $80,903 | $77,488#28 of 50 | $87,117#14 of 50 | -$9,629-11% | $80,903 | MN |
| Unemployment rateGap -0.7 pts · US 3.95% | 3.2%#8 of 50 | 3.9%#23 of 50 | -0.7 pts | 3.95% | WI |
| Population growthGap -0.31 pts · US +0.51% | +0.26%#36 of 50 | +0.57%#21 of 50 | -0.31 pts | +0.51% | Even |
| GDP per capitaGap -$11,464 (-16%) · US $64,333 | $59,815#30 of 50 | $71,279#13 of 50 | -$11,464-16% | $64,333 | MN |
| Real GDP growthGap -0.6 pts · US +1.91% | +1.6%#32 of 50 | +2.2%#19 of 50 | -0.6 pts | +1.91% | MN |
| Violent crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap +17 (+8%) · US 328 | 240#18 of 50 | 224#13 of 50 | +17+8% | 328 | MN |
| Property crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap -395 (-28%) · US 1,535 | 1,017#5 of 50 | 1,412#22 of 50 | -395-28% | 1,535 | WI |
| High school graduation rateGap +6.7 pts · US 85.62% | 90.3%#3 of 50 | 83.6%#35 of 50 | +6.7 pts | 85.62% | WI |
| NAEP math score, grade 4Gap -1 · US 237 | 239#14 of 50 | 241#7 of 50 | -1 | 237 | Even |
| NAEP math score, grade 8Gap +1 · US 273 | 283#2 of 50 | 282#3 of 50 | +1 | 273 | Even |
| NAEP reading score, grade 4Gap +1 · US 214 | 215#22 of 50 | 214#27 of 50 | +1 | 214 | Even |
| NAEP reading score, grade 8Gap 0 · US 257 | 260#13 of 50 | 260#14 of 50 | 0 | 257 | Even |
| Life expectancyGap -1.2 yrs · US 76.9 | 78.1#16 of 50 | 79.3#6 of 50 | -1.2 yrs | 76.9 | MN |
| Adults with obesityGap +5.1 pts · US 34.03% | 37.4%#41 of 50 | 32.3%#15 of 50 | +5.1 pts | 34.03% | MN |
| Residents without health insuranceGap +0.2 pts · US 7.6% | 5.3%#10 of 50 | 5.1%#7 of 50 | +0.2 pts | 7.6% | Even |
| Typical home valuetypical home, modeled estimateGap -$11,053 (-3%) · US $368,697 | $339,699#25 of 50 | $350,752#26 of 50 | -$11,053-3% | $368,697 | WI |
| Home value change, one yearGap +2.6 pts · US +1.2% | +5.1%#5 of 50 | +2.5%#21 of 50 | +2.6 pts | +1.2% | WI |
| Typical rent, largest metrolargest metro, per monthGap -$156 (-9%) · US $1,948 | $1,563#19 of 50 | $1,719#24 of 50 | -$156-9% | $1,948 | WI |
| Income needed to buyto buy the typical homeGap -$3,478 (-4%) · US $100,006 | $95,433#25 of 50 | $98,911#29 of 50 | -$3,478-4% | $100,006 | WI |
| Cost of living indexUS = 100Gap -4.5 pts (-5%) · US 100 | 94.1#20 of 50 | 98.6#30 of 50 | -4.5 pts-5% | 100 | WI |
| Home value to income ratioGap +0.4x (+10%) · US 4.6x | 4.4x#25 of 50 | 4x#19 of 50 | +0.4x+10% | 4.6x | MN |
| Residential electricity priceGap +2.34¢ (+15%) · US 17.84¢/kWh | 18.16¢/kWh#36 of 50 | 15.82¢/kWh#29 of 50 | +2.34¢+15% | 17.84¢/kWh | MN |
| Residential natural gas priceGap -$0.24 (-2%) · US $15.83/Mcf | $10.74/Mcf#8 of 50 | $10.98/Mcf#10 of 50 | -$0.24-2% | $15.83/Mcf | Even |
| Gasoline priceGap +$0.13 (+4%) · US $3.32/gal | $3.28/gal#30 of 50 | $3.15/gal#20 of 50 | +$0.13+4% | $3.32/gal | MN |
| Price level for goodsUS = 100Gap -6.2 pts (-6%) · US 100 | 94.3#8 of 50 | 100.5#41 of 50 | -6.2 pts-6% | 100 | WI |
| Center-based infant care, per yearGap -$1,988 (-10%) · US $15,633 | $18,604#36 of 50 | $20,592#41 of 50 | -$1,988-10% | $15,633 | WI |
| Total state and local tax burdenshare of incomeGap -1.41 pts · US 8.74% | 8.31%#19 of 50 | 9.72%#40 of 50 | -1.41 pts | 8.74% | WI |
| Top state income tax ratetop rateGap -2.2 pts · US 5.46% | 7.65%#40 of 50 | 9.85%#45 of 50 | -2.2 pts | 5.46% | WI |
| Effective property tax rateeffective rateGap +0.54 pts · US 1.02% | 1.59%#43 of 50 | 1.05%#31 of 50 | +0.54 pts | 1.02% | MN |
| Combined state and local sales taxstate + localGap -2.42 pts · US 6.66% | 5.72%#9 of 50 | 8.14%#36 of 50 | -2.42 pts | 6.66% | WI |
| Credit ratingindex, 100 = AAAGap -10 pts · US 92.7 | 90#30 of 50 | 100#5 of 50 | -10 pts | 92.7 | MN |
| Rainy-day fund, share of spendingGap +0.1 pts · US 12.39% | 8.2%#36 of 50 | 8.1%#37 of 50 | +0.1 pts | 12.39% | Even |
| Pension funded ratioGap +21 pts · US 74.3% | 100%#2 of 50 | 79%#18 of 50 | +21 pts | 74.3% | WI |
| State debt per capitaGap -$600 (-17%) · US $3,506 | $2,860#25 of 50 | $3,460#34 of 50 | -$600-17% | $3,506 | WI |
| Budget balance, share of spendingGap +3.3 pts · US +4.66% | +5.8%#16 of 50 | +2.5%#41 of 50 | +3.3 pts | +4.66% | WI |
| Median air quality indexmedian AQI, lower is cleanerGap +1 pts (+3%) · US 38.8 | 37#16 of 50 | 36#13 of 50 | +1 pts+3% | 38.8 | Even |
| Renewable share of electricityGap -23 pts · US 29.34% | 13%#31 of 50 | 36%#16 of 50 | -23 pts | 29.34% | MN |
| FEMA natural disaster risk indexFEMA index, lower is saferGap -1.3 (-5%) · US 29.6 | 25.4#23 of 50 | 26.7#25 of 50 | -1.3-5% | 29.6 | WI |
| Public land shareGap -5.1 pts · US 17.16% | 5.8%#32 of 50 | 10.9%#20 of 50 | -5.1 pts | 17.16% | MN |
| Mean travel time to workGap 0 min · US 25.2 min | 22.7 min#10 of 50 | 22.7 min#11 of 50 | 0 min | 25.2 min | Even |
| Commuters using public transitGap -0.4 pts · US 2.29% | 1.4%#20 of 50 | 1.8%#17 of 50 | -0.4 pts | 2.29% | Even |
| Workers working from homeGap -2.9 pts · US 12.28% | 11.8%#27 of 50 | 14.7%#15 of 50 | -2.9 pts | 12.28% | MN |
| Households with a broadband subscriptionGap -0.6 pts · US 92.67% | 92.3%#32 of 50 | 92.9%#22 of 50 | -0.6 pts | 92.67% | MN |
| Households moving inIRSGap +3,344 (+6%) · US 78,682 | 56,675#24 of 50 | 53,331#26 of 50 | +3,344+6% | 78,682 | WI |
| Households moving outIRSGap -2,278 (-4%) · US 78,715 | 56,159#26 of 50 | 58,437#28 of 50 | -2,278-4% | 78,715 | WI |
| Net householdsIRS, householdsGap +5,622 · US -33 | +516#24 of 50 | -5,106#39 of 50 | +5,622 | -33 | WI |
| Net households per 1,000 residentsIRS, per 1,000 residentsGap +1.0 · US +0.4 | +0.1#25 of 50 | -0.9#36 of 50 | +1.0 | +0.4 | WI |
| Average income of arriving householdsIRSGap +$1,897 (+3%) · US $77,690 | $72,373#32 of 50 | $70,476#33 of 50 | +$1,897+3% | $77,690 | Even |
| Average income of departing householdsIRSGap -$15,039 (-17%) · US $77,024 | $74,386#24 of 50 | $89,425#8 of 50 | -$15,039-17% | $77,024 | MN |
| Net domestic migration per 1,000 residentsCensus, per 1,000 residentsGap -0.2 · US +1.1 | +1.2#23 of 50 | +1.4#22 of 50 | -0.2 | +1.1 | Even |
| Left after costs, family of fourearning $75K a yearGap +$3,539 · US -$11,758 | -$20,997#32 of 50 | -$24,536#37 of 50 | +$3,539 | -$11,758 | WI |
| Left after costs, single adultearning $75K a yearGap +$458 · US +$31,418 | +$30,650#26 of 50 | +$30,192#29 of 50 | +$458 | +$31,418 | Even |
| Left after costs, retiree coupleearning $75K a yearGap +$157 · US +$35,970 | +$35,155#26 of 50 | +$34,998#27 of 50 | +$157 | +$35,970 | Even |
Every metric in the registry, direction-aware: ahead means better for a resident. Ranks are among the states with data. Sources are listed at the foot of the page.
Key takeaways
What the Wisconsin and Minnesota numbers say when read together.
Neither state is better overall
Wisconsin (70.6, #11) and Minnesota (70.4, #12) are within 2 composite points. Wisconsin leads 4 categories, Minnesota leads 4, and 3 are even. The answer depends on which categories matter to you.
Wisconsin is cheaper day to day
Wisconsin's cost of living index is 94.1 against 98.6 in Minnesota (US = 100). The typical home costs $339,699 in Wisconsin and $350,752 in Minnesota. A family of four on $75,000 keeps -$20,997 a year after typical costs in Wisconsin and -$24,536 in Minnesota.
Wisconsin takes a smaller share in taxes
Wisconsin collects 8.31% of income in state and local taxes (high income tax, high property tax, low sales tax); Minnesota collects 9.72% (high income tax, with property and sales taxes in the middle of the pack).
Minnesota pays more and is safer
Median household income is $77,488 in Wisconsin and $87,117 in Minnesota, with unemployment at 3.2% and 3.9%. Violent crime runs 240 per 100,000 residents in Wisconsin and 224 in Minnesota.
Moves between the two run about even
20,316 people moved from Wisconsin to Minnesota and 23,463 the other way, a gap inside the survey's margin of error.
Wisconsin is the better fit for families
For families, Wisconsin ranks #4 of 50 and Minnesota #15; for retirees, Wisconsin ranks #13 and Minnesota #11.
Wisconsin vs Minnesota: frequently asked questions
Is Wisconsin or Minnesota better to live in?
Wisconsin ranks #11 of 50 overall and Minnesota #12 as of the latest release. Wisconsin is cheaper to live in (cost of living index 94.1 vs 98.6), has a 1.4-point lower tax burden, and has a 7% higher violent crime rate. Overall they are 0.2 points apart, too close to call: Wisconsin leads 4 of 11 categories, Minnesota leads 4.
Is Wisconsin cheaper than Minnesota?
Wisconsin is cheaper than Minnesota: cost of living index 94.1 vs 98.6 (US = 100). A family of four earning $75,000 would have -$20,997 left after typical housing, childcare, utilities, groceries, transportation and taxes in Wisconsin, and -$24,536 in Minnesota. The typical home value is $339,699 in Wisconsin and $350,752 in Minnesota.
Which has lower taxes, Wisconsin or Minnesota?
Wisconsin has the lower tax burden: 8.31% of income in state and local taxes vs 9.72% in Minnesota. Wisconsin's top income tax rate is 7.65%, its effective property tax rate 1.59% and its combined sales tax 5.72%; Minnesota's are 9.85%, 1.05% and 8.14%.
Is Wisconsin safer than Minnesota?
Minnesota is safer: 224 violent crimes per 100,000 residents vs 240 in Wisconsin, per the FBI. Wisconsin ranks #18 of 50 for violent crime and Minnesota #13. Property crime is 1,017 per 100,000 in Wisconsin and 1,412 in Minnesota. The safest tracked cities are New Berlin, WI, and Edina, MN.
Are homes more expensive in Wisconsin or Minnesota?
Homes are 3% more expensive in Minnesota: the typical home value is $339,699 in Wisconsin and $350,752 in Minnesota. Buying the typical home takes about $95,433 of household income in Wisconsin and $98,911 in Minnesota, against median incomes of $77,488 and $87,117.
Do people earn more in Wisconsin or Minnesota?
Minnesota pays more: median household income is $87,117 vs $77,488 in Wisconsin, per the Census Bureau. Unemployment is 3.2% in Wisconsin and 3.9% in Minnesota. Across 20 occupations with BLS wage data in both states, Wisconsin's best-paying metro comes out ahead in 1 after adjusting for local costs and Minnesota's in 9, with 10 even.
Are more people moving from Wisconsin to Minnesota or from Minnesota to Wisconsin?
8,321 households moved from Wisconsin to Minnesota and 8,003 moved from Minnesota to Wisconsin in the latest IRS release, a net gain of 318 households for Minnesota. Movers to Minnesota reported an average income of $60,446; movers to Wisconsin reported $78,834. The Census Bureau's American Community Survey, counting people, shows 20,316 people (±3,235) moving from Wisconsin to Minnesota and 23,463 (±3,257) the other way, a gap inside the margin of error, so the flows are roughly balanced.
Which is better for retirees, Wisconsin or Minnesota?
Wisconsin and Minnesota are close for retirees: #13 and #11 of 50 on the retiree index. Wisconsin has high income tax, high property tax, low sales tax; Minnesota has high income tax, with property and sales taxes in the middle of the pack. A retiree couple on $75,000 would have +$35,155 left after typical costs in Wisconsin and +$34,998 in Minnesota.
Which is better for families, Wisconsin or Minnesota?
Wisconsin is the better fit for families: #4 of 50 on the families index vs #15 for Minnesota. Center-based infant care costs $18,604 a year in Wisconsin and $20,592 in Minnesota. High school graduation rates are 90.3% and 83.6%. A family of four on $75,000 keeps -$20,997 after typical costs in Wisconsin and -$24,536 in Minnesota.
Which has better schools, Wisconsin or Minnesota?
Wisconsin scores higher for education: #4 of 50 vs #19 for Minnesota. Eighth graders average 283 in NAEP math in Wisconsin and 282 in Minnesota. High school graduation rates are 90.3% in Wisconsin and 83.6% in Minnesota, and the education category scores are 76.5 and 64.7 out of 100. Among tracked cities, Brookfield and Eden Prairie have the strongest school metrics.
Compare a different pair
Swap either state, or jump to the matchups people open alongside Wisconsin vs Minnesota.
Why this pair is featured: bordering states, major moving corridor (8,321 households moved in the busier direction in the latest IRS release).