Cost of Living in Lancaster, WI

With a cost of living index of 71, Lancaster, WI is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 30% cheaper than the national average and 9% below the Wisconsin state average of 79. Lancaster is a small community of 3,916 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Lancaster's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $770 (42% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $173,300 (43% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.1x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Lancaster is $80,625, which is 7% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 11% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

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.