Cost of Living in West Salem, WI

With a cost of living index of 88, West Salem, WI is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 12% cheaper than the national average and 9% above the Wisconsin state average of 79. West Salem is a smaller community of 5,268 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in West Salem's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,142 (13% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $269,300 (12% 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 West Salem is $90,991, which is 21% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 15% 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 La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN (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.