Cost of Living in Whitefish Bay, WI

With a cost of living index of 115, Whitefish Bay, WI is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 15% more expensive than the national average and 36% above the Wisconsin state average of 79. Whitefish Bay is a smaller community of 14,750 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Whitefish Bay's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,348 (2% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $498,700 (64% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.2x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Whitefish Bay is $154,255, which is 105% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 10% 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 Milwaukee-Waukesha, 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.