Average Rent in Wisconsin: $1,363/mo (2026)

Find fair market rent prices for 3 major metro areas in Wisconsin. The average 2-bedroom rent across the state is $1,363/mo.

$892
Avg. Studio
$1,106
Avg. 1BR
$1,363
Avg. 2BR
$1,686
Avg. 3BR
3
Cities Tracked
$1,338
Lowest 2BR Rent
$1,375
Highest 2BR Rent

Major Cities in Wisconsin

Sorted by 2-bedroom rent price (highest to lowest)

1
Madison, WI
Studio: $825 | 1BR: $1,100 | 3BR: $1,705
$1,375/mo2BR
2
Appleton, WI
Studio: $825 | 1BR: $1,100 | 3BR: $1,705
$1,375/mo2BR
3
Milwaukee, WI
Studio: $1,027 | 1BR: $1,119 | 3BR: $1,648
$1,338/mo2BR

Explore Wisconsin Rent Data

Browse detailed rent prices for cities across Wisconsin. Each city page includes neighborhood breakdowns, rent trends, and local market insights.

Madison Rent PricesAppleton Rent PricesMilwaukee Rent Prices

Wisconsin Rental Market Overview

The fair market rent (FMR) data for Wisconsin is published annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These figures represent the 40th percentile of gross rents for standard quality rental housing in each metro area.

Wisconsin has 3 major metropolitan areas tracked in our database. The most expensive city for renters is Madison, WI with an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,375/mo, while the most affordable is Milwaukee, WI at $1,338/mo.

What Affects Rent Prices in Wisconsin?

  • Location: Proximity to employment centers and urban amenities significantly impacts rent prices across Wisconsin metros.
  • Local Economy: Job growth and industry presence drive rental demand. Strong employment markets typically have higher rents.
  • Housing Supply: Areas with new construction tend to have more rental options and potentially competitive pricing.
  • Schools: Quality school districts command premium rents, especially for family-sized apartments.
  • Transportation: Access to highways and public transit affects neighborhood desirability and pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin Rent

What is the average rent in Wisconsin?

The average rent in Wisconsin is $1,363 per month for a 2-bedroom apartment based on 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent data. Prices range from $1,338 in Milwaukee to $1,375 in Madison.

What is the cheapest city to rent in Wisconsin?

Milwaukee, WI offers the most affordable rent among major Wisconsin metros at $1,338/month for a 2-bedroom apartment. Studios in Milwaukee average $1,027/month.

What is the most expensive city to rent in Wisconsin?

Madison, WI has the highest rents in Wisconsin at $1,375/month for a 2-bedroom apartment. This is $12 above the state average.

How much do I need to earn to rent in Wisconsin?

To comfortably afford the average Wisconsin 2-bedroom at $1,363/month, you would need an annual income of approximately $54,520 (based on the 30% of income guideline). For the most affordable areas, you would need about $53,520/year.

Is Wisconsin affordable for renters?

Wisconsin offers moderate rental costs, with average 2-bedroom rents at $1,363/month. Some cities offer excellent value while others command premium prices.