Cost of Living in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has a cost of living index of 79, making it 21% less expensive than the national average. The statewide median household income is $72,635 (3% below the US median of $75,149). Across 788 cities tracked in Wisconsin, costs vary widely depending on location, proximity to metro areas, and local housing markets.

Housing drives most of the variation. The average median rent across Wisconsin cities is $913/mo (31% below the national median of $1,319), and the average median home value is $206,284 (32% below the national figure of $304,900). There is a 81-point spread between the most affordable city, Antigo (index 61), and the most expensive, Mequon (index 142) — a large gap that shows significant regional cost differences.

Wisconsin stands out as a strong value destination: the lower-than-average cost of living paired with near-average or above-average incomes means residents' dollars stretch further here than in most states.

The largest cities in Wisconsin by population are Milwaukee (index 79, pop. 569,756), Madison (index 103, pop. 275,568), Green Bay (index 75, pop. 106,585), Kenosha (index 87, pop. 99,147), and Racine (index 76, pop. 77,155). Cost of living varies considerably even among these major population centers, highlighting the importance of comparing individual cities rather than relying on the state average alone.

Data: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow, HUD, BEA Regional Price Parities. Updated monthly.