Skip to content

Free comparison

Moving from Wisconsin to New Jersey

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Cheese, beer, Madison + Milwaukee, brutal winters. vs. Highest property taxes, wealthy suburbs, NYC + Philly access.

WI state flag
Living now

Wisconsin

Capital: Madison

Median household income $72,458 · winter low 9°F · 188 sunny days

Cheese, beer, Madison + Milwaukee, brutal winters.

NJ state flag
Moving to

New Jersey

Capital: Trenton

Median household income $97,126 · winter low 24°F · 207 sunny days

Highest property taxes, wealthy suburbs, NYC + Philly access.

New Jersey has an overall price level 108.8 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Wisconsin
94.1
New Jersey
108.8
New Jersey has 16% higher overall price level
Housing index
Wisconsin
79.3
New Jersey
134.3
New Jersey has 69% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Wisconsin
98.5
New Jersey
102.2
New Jersey has 3.7% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Wisconsin
99.1
New Jersey
101.3
New Jersey has 2.2% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Wisconsin
18.8 ¢/kWh
New Jersey
23.5 ¢/kWh
New Jersey has 25% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Wisconsin
98.8
New Jersey
101.8
New Jersey has 3.0% higher transportation
Median home value
Wisconsin
$294,700
New Jersey
$496,000
New Jersey is 68% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Wisconsin
$982/mo
New Jersey
$1,554/mo
New Jersey is 58% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow (live) state-level

Summer high 86°F · Winter low 24°F · 207 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Wisconsin
81°F
New Jersey
86°F
New Jersey is 6.2% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Wisconsin
9°F
New Jersey
24°F
New Jersey is 167% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Wisconsin
44°F
New Jersey
53°F
New Jersey is 19% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Wisconsin
188
New Jersey
207
New Jersey has 10% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Wisconsin
33 in
New Jersey
48 in
New Jersey is 43% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Wisconsin
40
New Jersey
44
New Jersey has 10% higher AQI
Snow / year
Wisconsin
50 in
New Jersey
24 in
New Jersey is 52% less annual snowfall

Get the full WisconsinNew Jersey report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in New Jersey than Wisconsin?

New Jersey's overall price level is roughly 110.5 (US avg = 100), vs about 93.5 for Wisconsin — based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Wisconsin tops out at 7.65% income tax. New Jersey tops out at 10.75%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in New Jersey?

Most New Jersey residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

Related comparisons