A Breakdown of the Cost of Living in Wisconsin
- 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.
Find your
dream home in Wisconsin
Browse Homes For Sale in WisconsinIs Living in Wisconsin Expensive?
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
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?
- 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
What is a Cost of Living Calculator?
About Cost of Living Data
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?
Calculate Cost of Living Across US Cities
Cost of Living Calculator
Tampa
Cost of Living Calculator
Jacksonville
Cost of Living Calculator
Cape Coral
Cost of Living Calculator
Fort Myers
Cost of Living Calculator
Orlando
Cost of Living Calculator
Chicago
Cost of Living Calculator
Seattle
Cost of Living Calculator
Charlotte
Cost of Living Calculator
New York City
Cost of Living Calculator
Denver
Cost of Living Calculator
Boston
Cost of Living Calculator
Oakland
Cost of Living Calculator
Arlington
Cost of Living Calculator
Austin
Cost of Living Calculator
Cleveland
Data provided by Redfin, a national real estate brokerage.



