Cost of Living in Wisconsin Dells, WI

With a cost of living index of 77, Wisconsin Dells, WI is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 23% cheaper than the national average and in line with the Wisconsin state average. Wisconsin Dells is a small community of 2,763 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Wisconsin Dells's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $886 (33% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $203,300 (33% 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 Wisconsin Dells is $66,846, which is 11% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 16% 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.