Cost of Living in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has 35 cities with cost-of-living data on CompareLiving, drawn from US Census, BEA, HUD, and EPA sources. Prices range from Milwaukee (cost index 95.7) to Waukesha (95.7), with a statewide average around 95.7 versus the US baseline of 100. Median rent is lowest in Manitowoc at $804/mo and highest in Mequon at $2,157/mo.
Wisconsin at a Glance
Cities Tracked
35
with census data
Avg Cost Index
95.7
US avg = 100
Avg Median Rent
$1,178
per month
Avg Household Income
$80,437
annual median
Most & Least Affordable Cities
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100)
Popular Cities in Wisconsin
Explore Wisconsin Cities in Depth
Wisconsin Cities — Full Table
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| Milwaukee | 566,973 | 95.7 | $1,059 | $184,000 | $54,234 |
| Madison | 278,001 | — | $1,413 | $372,900 | $78,050 |
| Green Bay | 106,253 | — | $932 | $207,200 | $66,206 |
| Kenosha | 99,372 | — | $1,186 | $225,200 | $71,239 |
| Racine | 77,633 | — | $1,033 | $166,500 | $57,740 |
| Appleton | 75,023 | — | $1,030 | $231,400 | $80,483 |
| Waukesha | 71,233 | 95.7 | $1,219 | $315,500 | $83,837 |
| Eau Claire | 70,322 | — | $1,045 | $247,600 | $67,395 |
| Oshkosh | 66,729 | — | $935 | $177,700 | $62,188 |
| Janesville | 66,030 | — | $1,054 | $223,400 | $73,446 |
| West Allis | 59,612 | — | $1,007 | $203,800 | $67,611 |
| La Crosse | 51,356 | — | $1,010 | $210,100 | $55,866 |
| Sheboygan | 49,645 | — | $924 | $174,200 | $62,927 |
| Wauwatosa | 48,529 | — | $1,438 | $339,000 | $101,138 |
| Fond du Lac | 44,494 | — | $913 | $173,700 | $62,260 |
| Brookfield | 41,273 | — | $1,886 | $443,900 | $129,548 |
| New Berlin | 40,270 | — | $1,426 | $365,700 | $101,091 |
| Wausau | 39,996 | — | $1,010 | $167,900 | $64,389 |
| Menomonee Falls | 39,539 | — | $1,313 | $368,000 | $100,238 |
| Sun Prairie | 37,570 | — | $1,419 | $365,700 | $90,942 |
| Greenfield | 37,345 | — | $1,170 | $261,100 | $70,459 |
| Oak Creek | 37,325 | — | $1,452 | $331,700 | $96,555 |
| Beloit | 36,534 | — | $1,066 | $156,500 | $62,663 |
| Franklin | 35,886 | — | $1,458 | $364,200 | $106,894 |
| Manitowoc | 34,620 | — | $804 | $160,700 | $63,757 |
| Fitchburg | 32,619 | — | $1,373 | $417,200 | $86,516 |
| West Bend | 32,030 | — | $1,076 | $263,100 | $74,076 |
| Mount Pleasant | 27,953 | — | $1,127 | $292,400 | $91,616 |
| Neenah | 27,336 | — | $1,006 | $210,700 | $75,374 |
| Superior | 26,677 | — | $900 | $180,400 | $64,216 |
| Stevens Point | 25,785 | — | $890 | $195,400 | $58,031 |
| Muskego | 25,406 | — | $1,313 | $417,400 | $112,221 |
| De Pere | 25,301 | — | $1,053 | $280,600 | $84,869 |
| Mequon | 25,270 | — | $2,157 | $501,600 | $144,051 |
| Caledonia | 25,257 | — | $1,141 | $303,400 | $93,152 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100) · Income & Rent = US Census ACS
Compare Wisconsin cities head-to-head
Use our comparison tool to put any two cities side by side. Or explore national rankings to see how Wisconsin cities stack up across the US. For example, Milwaukee vs Madison.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cost of Living in Wisconsin
What is the cost of living in Wisconsin?
The average cost of living index across cities in Wisconsin is approximately 95.7 (US average = 100), which is slightly below the US average. Median gross rent averages around $1,178/month and median household income averages around $80,437/year.
What are the cheapest cities to live in Wisconsin?
The most affordable cities in Wisconsin by cost of living index are: 1. Milwaukee (index 95.7), 2. Waukesha (index 95.7).
What is the median rent in Wisconsin?
The average median gross rent across cities in Wisconsin is approximately $1,178/month. Rent varies significantly by city and neighborhood — use the city profiles below for specific figures.
What are the income tax rates in Wisconsin?
State income tax information for Wisconsin is not yet available in our database.
What is the sales tax in Wisconsin?
Sales tax information for Wisconsin is not yet available in our database.
Is it expensive to move to Wisconsin?
Wisconsin has a cost of living index of approximately 95.7 and average median rent around $1,178/month. It is generally more affordable than the US average, which can offset moving costs over time. Use our moving guides for salary equivalence calculations.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, Tax Foundation · Methodology