Cost of Living in Janesville, WI

With a cost of living index of 81, Janesville, WI is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 19% cheaper than the national average and in line with the Wisconsin state average. With a population of 65,813, Janesville is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Janesville's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,037 (21% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $209,700 (31% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.9x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Janesville is $71,664, which is 5% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 17% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Everyday prices in the Janesville-Beloit, 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.