Back IconBack

Cost of Living in
Wisconsin

  • List2
    Living cost is 0.2% lower than avg
  • List2
    Families spend upto $8,828/mo on avg
  • List2
    Homeowners spend $8,561/mo on avg
  • List2
    Renters spend $4,583/mo on avg

Cost of Living in
Wisconsin

Enter the city you're moving from

location icon

Moving From

location icon

Moving To

location icon

Your Pre-Tax Income

A Breakdown of the Cost of Living in Wisconsin

U.S. Avg.
Wisconsin
Diff
Home Price
$532,491
$547,141.4
graph trend 3%
Apartment Rent (per month)
$1,367
$1,412.9
graph trend 3%
U.S. Avg.
Wisconsin
Diff
Phone (per month)
$219.4
$198.25
graph trend 10%
Total Energy (per month)
$200.23
$205.19
graph trend 2%
U.S. Avg.
Wisconsin
Diff
Grocery Staples
Corn Flakes (per box)
$6.79
$6.07
graph trend 11%
Frozen Corn (per bag)
$2.41
$2.29
graph trend 5%
Frozen Meal (per package)
$4.85
$3.83
graph trend 21%
Cooking Oil (per bottle)
$6.16
$9.76
graph trend 58%
Detergent (per bottle)
$19.51
$21.55
graph trend 10%
Facial Tissues (per box)
$2.85
$2.36
graph trend 17%
Sweet Peas (per can)
$1.83
$1.7
graph trend 7%
Sugar (per bag)
$4.66
$5.41
graph trend 16%
Bread (per loaf)
$3.87
$4.15
graph trend 7%
Frying Chicken (per lb)
$1.64
$1.58
graph trend 4%
Meat & Poultry
Chicken (per lb)
$1.71
$1.65
graph trend 3%
Steak (per lb)
$14.54
$17.99
graph trend 24%
Sausage (per lb)
$5.23
$5.2
graph trend 1%
Ground Beef (per lb)
$8.61
$8.08
graph trend 6%
Snacks & Beverages
Soft Drink (per bottle)
$3.45
$3.15
graph trend 9%
Potato Chips (per bag)
$5.54
$4.65
graph trend 16%
Coffee (per lb)
$6.55
$6.75
graph trend 3%
Fresh Orange Juice (per half gallon)
$5.22
$5.17
graph trend 1%
Fruits & Vegetables
Peaches (per can)
$4.40
$2.88
graph trend 35%
Lettuce (per head)
$1.98
$2.09
graph trend 6%
Bananas (per lb)
$0.64
$0.77
graph trend 20%
Potatoes (per bag)
$5.58
$5.08
graph trend 9%
Dairy & Eggs
Parmesan Cheese (per lb)
$4.69
$4.99
graph trend 6%
Margarine (per lb)
$1.30
$1.49
graph trend 14%
Eggs (per dozen)
$3.98
$4.14
graph trend 4%
Whole Milk (per gallon)
$4.08
$4.61
graph trend 13%
Seafood
Chunk Light Tuna (per can)
$1.22
$1.32
graph trend 9%
U.S. Avg.
Wisconsin
Diff
Tire Balance (per tire)
$70.23
$66.41
graph trend 5%
Gasoline (per gallon)
$2.9
$3.02
graph trend 4%
U.S. Avg.
Wisconsin
Diff
Doctor Visit (per visit)
$116.03
$216.39
graph trend 86%
Dentist Visit (per visit)
$145.11
$118.4
graph trend 18%
Ibuprofen (per bottle)
$12.38
$12.35
graph trend 0%
Prescription Drug (per month)
$20.8
$18.29
graph trend 12%
Optometrist Visit (per visit)
$95.27
$123.99
graph trend 30%
U.S. Avg.
Wisconsin
Diff
Women’s Slacks
$35.43
$38.72
graph trend 9%
Boys’ Jeans
$29.47
$27.79
graph trend 6%
Men’s Shirt
$39.36
$41.6
graph trend 6%
Wine (per bottle)
$7.51
$12.72
graph trend 69%
Beer (per 6-pack)
$11.17
$9.34
graph trend 16%
Veterinary Services (per visit)
$65.33
$76.04
graph trend 16%
Tennis Balls (per pack)
$3.59
$4.82
graph trend 34%
Yoga (per class)
$12
$17.34
graph trend 44%
Movie (per ticket)
$11.67
$12.96
graph trend 11%
Newspaper (per copy)
$19.31
$12.87
graph trend 33%
Washer Repair (per service)
$109.47
$103.55
graph trend 5%
Women Slacks
$34.88
$38.69
graph trend 11%
Boy Jeans
$29.51
$28.16
graph trend 5%
Man Dress Shirt
$39.05
$43.41
graph trend 11%
Dry Cleaning (per item)
$13.45
$21.81
graph trend 62%
Shampoo (per bottle)
$1.55
$1.53
graph trend 1%
Toothpaste (per tube)
$3.64
$4.23
graph trend 16%
Beauty Salon (per visit)
$47.5
$46.36
graph trend 2%
Haircut (per cut)
$27.08
$27.63
graph trend 2%
Fried Chicken (per serving)
$4.37
$5.99
graph trend 37%
Pizza (per pizza)
$11.99
$12.05
graph trend 0%
Hamburger (per serving)
$5.28
$6.13
graph trend 16%
The living cost in Wisconsin is approximately 0.2% lower than the national average. This affordability doesn't come at the expense of lifestyle perks in America's Dairyland. Residents enjoy lakefronts, and the beauty of changing leaves throughout the seasons. From Madison's tech startups to Milwaukee's craft breweries, Wisconsin offers a mix of opportunity and charm. Whether you're eyeing a lakeside cabin or a walkable college town, knowing what it costs to live here can help you plan wisely.
  • Housing in Wisconsin is 3% higher than the US average. Wisconsin is the 16th most affordable state for buyers when considering homeprices compared to income. The average home price in Wisconsin is $547,141.40. With a 15-20% down payment, buyers need to set aside between $50,195 and $66,927 upfront. Monthly mortgage payments are roughly 4% lower than in neighboring states like Minnesota.
  • Rent in Wisconsin is 3.4% higher than the national average. Wisconsin offers rental value in most cities. A one-bedroom home in Wisconsin rents for about $1,465 per month, while a two-bedroom goes for $1,890. This makes Wisconsin's rent roughly 3.4% cheaper than the national averages. You'll find modern amenities like in-unit laundry and off-street parking in newer builds, though older units might lack air conditioning or dishwashers, especially in smaller towns.
  • Utilities in Wisconsin are 2% lower than the national average. Basic utilities (electricity, water, heating, and internet) average around $395 per month. Internet plans fall between $198.25 depending on speed. Heating costs spike during the long winter, but Wisconsin's energy-efficient housing helps offset bills. No need for hurricane or wildfire insurance here, though snow removal and winterization costs can sneak into your seasonal budget.
  • Food in Wisconsin is 5% higher than the national average. Grocery prices are nearly aligned with US norms. A gallon of milk costs $4.61,eggs average $4.14, and bread sits near $4.15. A single adult spends $300 to $550 monthly on groceries, while a family of four needs $1,000 to over $1,900. Regional produce and a strong farming culture help keep some food costs down, especially if you shop local at farmers' markets.
  • Transportation in Wisconsin is 2.05% higher than the national average. Gas in Wisconsin costs about $3.02 per gallon. Full coverage car insurance averages $139 to $188 monthly. Public transportation is limited mostly to larger cities like Madison and Milwaukee, so most residents rely on personal vehicles. Winter driving means investing in snow tires and possibly a 4WD vehicle; extra costs not found in sunnier states. Parking is reasonable in most areas.
  • Healthcare in Wisconsin is 9.57% higher than the national average. Healthcare is one of Wisconsin's costliest categories. A routine doctor's visit averages $216.39, and emergency room care ranges between $1,500 to $3,000 without insurance. Premiums and co-pays trend higher across the board. Milwaukee and Madison offer excellent hospital systems, but access in rural areas may be more limited and expensive when it comes to specialized care.
  • Miscellaneous costs in Wisconsin are 2.78% higher than the national average. Expect to pay $40-$70 per month for a gym membership and about $12.96 for a movie ticket. Dining out costs around $50 to $75 for two at amid-range restaurant. Childcare averages $490 to $1,000 monthly. Add in the cost of Packers tickets, state park fees, and weekend getaways to the Dells or Door County, and the extras can stack up.

Moving to Wisconsin? Get ready for colder winters and cheese-filled days. The price of living in Wisconsin is manageable, but your snow boots might need a bigger budget than your sunglasses! 👉 Next Step: Compare single‑family homes in Wisconsin.

Is Living in Wisconsin Expensive?

No, Wisconsin is not expensive to live in. The average cost of living in Wisconsin is about 0.2% lower than the national average, making it a relatively affordable option for many households. Housing costs are a major factor, sitting roughly 3% higher than the US median, which helps keep monthly expenses manageable.

With a budget of $547,141.40, you can buy a comfortable single-family home with a yard in Wisconsin's suburbs or smaller cities. In contrast, that budget might only cover a small condo or townhouse in more expensive metro areas like Chicago or Minneapolis. Lower costs for food, utilities, and transportation further support affordability, making Wisconsin a solid choice for middle-class families seeking value without sacrificing quality of life.

Housing in Wisconsin

+
Housing in Wisconsin is 3% higher than the national average, with a median home price of $547,141.40. Monthly mortgage payments generally range from $1,600 to $2,200, depending on location, down payment, and interest rates. While cities like Madison and Milwaukee tend to be pricier, many suburbs and smaller towns offer more affordable options without sacrificing convenience.

Utilities in Wisconsin

+

Food and Groceries in Wisconsin

+

Transportation in Wisconsin

+

Healthcare in Wisconsin

+

Miscellaneous Costs in Wisconsin

+

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Wisconsin?

The average income in Wisconsin is 0.2% lower. To live comfortably in the state, your yearly expenses will depend heavily on whether you own a home, rent, or have children to support.
  • Homeowners spend $102,728.00 per year: This includes mortgage payments, property taxes, utilities, food, transportation, and healthcare. Seasonal expenses like heating costs and snow removal also factor in.
  • Renters spend $55,001.00 per year: month rent, groceries, utilities, and car-related costs make up the bulk of this total. Those living in urban areas like Madison or Milwaukee may also spend more on parking, transit, or higher rents.
  • Families with kids spend $105,930.00 per year: Childcare, education expenses, healthcare, a larger home, and increased grocery needs drive up the annual cost. Households with two working parents still need careful budgeting to stay on track.

Is Wisconsin Too Expensive? Find Homes in Wisconsin as Per Your Budget

Discover your place in Wisconsin

View neighborhood insights, browse popular homes, and shortlist the ones you like on any device.

Download the Houzeo Mobile App Now!

qr codeapp storegoogle play store
mob app storemob google play store

What is a Cost of Living Calculator?

A cost of living calculator helps you compare the expenses required to live in a different location. The calculator factors in various living expenses like housing, food, utilities, transportation, fitness, and entertainment, etc., and helps you estimate how much salary you need to live in that city. Since the cost of goods and services varies in different cities, a Wisconsin cost of living calculator can help you make the decision to move to this city or not.

About Cost of Living Data

The data used to determine Wisconsin's cost of living is sourced from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). Published since 1968, COLI data is recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This organization regularly updates its data to offer a detailed and well-researched view of living expenses in cities across the country. An independent Advisory Board reviews C2ER’s data collection methodologies and quarterly publications to ensure consistency and quality. For more information, visit www.coli.org. Data published as of Oct 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is gas in Wisconsin?

Is Wisconsin a good place to live?

What is the cost of living in Wisconsin?

What is the average rent in Wisconsin?

How much is a two-bedroom apartment in Wisconsin?

What is the average price of utilities in Wisconsin?

How much is childcare in Wisconsin?

Data provided by Redfin, a national real estate brokerage.

AMERICA’S BEST HOME BUYING WEBSITE

Homes For Sale Near Me

We couldn’t find any listings matching your search

Search Tips

mapBlueIcon

Widen the search area

Expand your search to a larger area (eg: neighborhood to ZIP) or simply click and zoom out on the interactive map.

filterBlueIcon

Refine your search

Reduce the number of applied filters to make your search less restrictive.

searchBlueIcon

Try adjusting your filters or search by

  • Address: 16308 Mount Holly Dr, Bradenton, FL 34211
  • Neighborhood - Reseda
  • ZIP - 33143
  • City - Miami

Do Real Estate on the Go!

Find your dream home, receive real-time updates, and many more!

Map

Homes For Sale FAQs

Click to see all homes
static map image
Satellite
Homes Available icon

0

Homes Available

Median List Price icon

-

Median List Price

Avg on Market icon

-

Avg on Market

Close IconHouzeo

Do Real Estate on the Go!

For Sale
Price

Price Range

Minimum Price
$
Maximum Price
$
Beds & Baths
Home Type
Filters
Save Search Share