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Cost of Living in Portage County

Is it better to rent or buy in Portage 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.

$77,018
$964/mo

Median in area: $964

$242,526

Median in area: $242,526

$48,505

If you Rent

🔑
$1,140 /mo
Base Rent$964
Est. Utilities$176
% of Income17.8%
Pre-tax Residual$5,278

If you Buy

🏠
$1,842 /mo
P&I (7.137%)$1,309
Taxes & Ins$357
Est. Utilities$176
% of Income28.7%
Pre-tax Residual$4,576

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Portage County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyAdams County, WI
$1,019/mo
countyWaushara County, WI
$810/mo
countyWaupaca County, WI
$884/mo
countyMarathon County, WI
$982/mo
countyWood County, WI
$844/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

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

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Portage County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,140, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,842 per month (a difference of $702).

How much do utilities cost in Portage County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Portage County is approximately $176. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

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

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Portage County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $45,600 per year.