Quick answer
Nebraska has lower average 1BR rent ($1,050/mo vs $1,265/mo). State income tax: Nebraska (Up to 5.84%) vs Wisconsin (7.65%) — on a $120K salary that's $2,172/year difference.
State Comparison · 2026
Nebraska vs Wisconsin
Side-by-side on state income tax, rent, home prices, climate, and top metros — with specific dollar numbers for every claim.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Nebraska vs Wisconsin at a Glance
| Metric | Nebraska | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR rent (major metros) | $1,050 ✓ | $1,265 |
| Avg median home price | $250K ✓ | $303K |
| Cheapest city | Omaha ($1,050) ✓ | Milwaukee ($1,150) |
| Priciest city | Omaha ($1,050) | Madison ($1,380) |
| State income tax | Up to 5.84% ✓ | 7.65% |
| Avg walkability | 39/100 | 63/100 ✓ |
| Cities tracked | 1 | 2 |
✓ marks the lower or more favorable value. Averages use the major metros we track in each state.
State Income Tax: Real Savings
What the rate gap actually looks like in your paycheck. Lower rate: Nebraska (Up to 5.84%).
Salary $80K
$1,448
/year saved in Nebraska
Salary $120K
$2,172
/year saved in Nebraska
Salary $200K
$3,620
/year saved in Nebraska
Calculation uses the effective state rate difference × gross salary. Doesn't include property tax, sales tax, or federal impact.
Deep Dive: Each State
Nebraska (NE)
Tax reality
Nebraska has a progressive state income tax up to 5.84% (being phased down). Property tax is high (~1.6% effective) — among the higher rates in the US. Sales tax 5.5% state + local to 7.5%. No estate tax.
Top cities (1 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Property tax is high — 1.6% effective statewide, meaning a $350K home pays $5,600/year in property tax. This is high relative to the low home prices.
- ✕Winters are real. Omaha averages 28 inches of snow per year and regularly hits sub-zero wind chills in January-February.
- ✕Summers are hot humid with severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes. Nebraska is in the tornado belt though slightly less intense than Oklahoma.
Wisconsin (WI)
Tax reality
Wisconsin has a progressive state income tax up to 7.65% for high earners (kicks in around $280K single). Property tax is moderate-high (~1.8% effective on average). Sales tax 5% state + local to 5.5%. No estate tax.
Top cities (2 tracked)
Top drawbacks
- ✕Winters are brutal. Milwaukee averages 47 inches of snow per year; Madison 50+. November through March regularly sees -10°F wind chills and consistent snow cover. Lake-effect weather adds intensity near Lake Michigan.
- ✕Property tax in Wisconsin is notably high — 1.8% effective average, meaning a $400K home pays $7,200/year in property tax. This partially offsets the moderate income tax.
- ✕Outside Milwaukee and Madison, the job market narrows fast. Rural Wisconsin dairy and manufacturing have been in structural decline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nebraska or Wisconsin cheaper to live in?
Nebraska has lower average 1BR rent across major metros — $1,050/mo vs $1,265/mo in Wisconsin, a $215/mo difference. Home prices: Nebraska median is $250K vs $303K.
Nebraska vs Wisconsin: which has lower state income tax?
Nebraska has lower state income tax (Up to 5.84%) vs 7.65% in Wisconsin. On an $80K salary that's $1,448/year in savings. On $200K, savings grow to $3,620/year.
Should I move from Nebraska to Wisconsin?
Nebraska has a progressive state income tax up to 5.84% (being phased down). Property tax is high (~1.6% effective) — among the higher rates in the US. Sales tax 5.5% state + local to 7.5%. No estate tax.
What are the best cities in Nebraska vs Wisconsin?
Nebraska's largest metros include Omaha. Wisconsin's largest metros include Milwaukee, Madison. Cost of living varies significantly within each state — a Nebraska suburb can be 40% cheaper than its flagship city, and vice versa.