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Cost of Living in Rice Lake

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

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

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

$88,255
$1,329/mo

Median in area: $1,329

$313,483

Median in area: $313,483

$62,697

If you Rent

$1,587 /mo
Base Rent$1,329
Est. Utilities$258
% of Income21.6%
Pre-tax Residual$5,768

If you Buy

$2,238 /mo
P&I (6.969%)$1,663
Taxes & Ins$317
Est. Utilities$258
% of Income30.4%
Pre-tax Residual$5,116

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Rice Lake?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Rice Lake. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,587, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $2,238 per month (a difference of $651).

How much do utilities cost in Rice Lake?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Rice Lake is approximately $258. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Rice Lake?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Rice Lake without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $63,480 per year.