Cost of Living in Cottage Grove, WI

With a cost of living index of 112, Cottage Grove, WI is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 12% more expensive than the national average and 33% above the Wisconsin state average of 79. Cottage Grove is a smaller community of 7,906 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Cottage Grove's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,500 (14% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $401,900 (32% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Cottage Grove is $132,717, which is 77% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 14% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. While incomes are above average, they more than offset the higher cost of living.

Everyday prices in the Madison, WI (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

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.