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Cost of Living in Dane County

Is it better to rent or buy in Dane County? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$95,060
$1,404/mo

Median in area: $1,404

$406,703

Median in area: $406,703

$81,341

If you Rent

🔑
$1,567 /mo
Base Rent$1,404
Est. Utilities$163
% of Income19.8%
Pre-tax Residual$6,355

If you Buy

🏠
$2,962 /mo
P&I (6.966%)$2,157
Taxes & Ins$642
Est. Utilities$163
% of Income37.4%
Pre-tax Residual$4,959

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Dane County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyRock County, WI
$1,067/mo
countyIowa County, WI
$935/mo
countyJefferson County, WI
$1,055/mo
countyGreen County, WI
$887/mo
countyColumbia County, WI
$1,021/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Dane County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Dane County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,567, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $2,962 per month (a difference of $1,395).

How much do utilities cost in Dane County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Dane County is approximately $163. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Dane County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Dane County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $62,680 per year.