Cost of Living in Portage, WI

With a cost of living index of 78, Portage, WI is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 22% cheaper than the national average and in line with the Wisconsin state average. Portage is a smaller community of 10,374 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Portage's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $963 (27% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $187,300 (39% below 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 Portage is $62,785, which is 16% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 18% 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.

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.