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Cost of Living in Wisconsin

Is it better to rent or buy in Wisconsin? 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.

$81,893
$1,110/mo

Median in area: $1,110

$275,566

Median in area: $275,566

$55,113

If you Rent

🔑
$1,307 /mo
Base Rent$1,110
Est. Utilities$197
% of Income19.2%
Pre-tax Residual$5,517

If you Buy

🏠
$2,047 /mo
P&I (6.904%)$1,452
Taxes & Ins$398
Est. Utilities$197
% of Income30.0%
Pre-tax Residual$4,777

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Wisconsin?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Wisconsin. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,307, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $2,047 per month (a difference of $740).

How much do utilities cost in Wisconsin?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Wisconsin is approximately $197. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Wisconsin?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Wisconsin without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $52,280 per year.