Cost of Living in Chetek, WI

With a cost of living index of 74, Chetek, WI is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 26% cheaper than the national average and 6% below the Wisconsin state average of 79. Chetek is a small community of 2,017 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Chetek's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $921 (30% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $156,500 (49% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.6x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Chetek is $59,554, which is 21% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 19% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.