Cost of living in Wisconsin: Average housing prices. Utility costs. Transportation expenses. Grocery and food pricing. Healthcare costs. Education and tuition fees. State and local taxes. Entertainment and leisure expenses. Insurance rates. Cost comparison with national average.
Average housing prices
The median housing price in Wisconsin as of April 2024 is $323,900, reflecting an 8.6% increase from the previous year. In Milwaukee, the market experienced a notable surge, with the median housing price reaching $215,000, marking a 9.1% increase from April 2023. For more comprehensive insights into these trends and forecasts, you can explore the [Wisconsin Housing Market Trends](https://innago.com/wisconsin-housing-market-trends-forecast/) directly.
Utility costs
In Wisconsin, the average monthly cost for basic utilities such as electricity, water, heating, and garbage disposal is approximately $186. The state also has one of the lowest average natural gas prices in the US, with natural gas costs averaging around $77 per month. For detailed insights into the cost of living, you can explore the Cost Of Living In Wisconsin on the Leverage Edu website.
Transportation expenses
Transportation expenses in Wisconsin involve various costs, such as a one-way fare for local transport at USD 2, and a regular monthly pass priced at USD 65. Taxi fares start at USD 4.50, while gasoline is priced at USD 0.92 per liter. These costs can vary by city, but in general, public transportation remains slightly more affordable than the national average. This makes navigating Wisconsin's cities a viable option for many residents and visitors looking for cost-effective ways to travel.
Grocery and food pricing
In Wisconsin, Milwaukee stands out as the city with the cheapest groceries in both the state and the United States, making it an attractive option for those looking to save on food costs despite national inflation trends. For more information on this, you can visit the Milwaukee Grocery Prices website, which details how Milwaukee maintains low grocery prices, providing economic relief to its residents amidst rising costs elsewhere.
Healthcare costs
In Wisconsin, healthcare costs are significant, with $11,663 spent per resident in 2020, ranking the state 29th-highest in healthcare spending per capita. The costs vary based on factors such as insurance coverage and individual circumstances, with estimates ranging from $3,335 for one adult with no children to $8,241 for a family with two children. For more detailed information about healthcare expenditure and other related topics, you can visit the USAFacts website.
Education and tuition fees
The cost of education in Wisconsin varies by institution and residency status. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition and fees at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls range from $9,508 for Wisconsin residents to $17,971 for non-residents, with additional costs for room, board, and other expenses. To explore detailed information about their tuition and other financial considerations, visit the University of Wisconsin - River Falls website.
State and local taxes
In Wisconsin, state income tax rates range from 3.5% to 7.65%, with most people taxed at the 5.3% rate. Property taxes average 1.61% of a home's assessed value, and sales taxes are typically 5.43% combined. However, these rates can vary by county, with some areas anticipating increases in 2024. For more detailed information on these tax rates, visit the State Taxes Guide.
Entertainment and leisure expenses
In Wisconsin, entertainment and leisure expenses vary by region, but overall, residents spend relatively modest amounts on these activities. For example, movie tickets average $25 annually in the West North Central region, which includes parts of Wisconsin. Spending on concerts and theaters is around $82 per year in this region. To explore more on regional variations and trends in leisure expenses, you can find comprehensive insights on the Cost of Leisure page.
Insurance rates
In Wisconsin, the average annual cost for car insurance is $1,869 for full coverage and $442 for minimum coverage, which is cheaper than the national average. Additionally, health insurance in the state costs an average of $608 per month for full-price plans or $117 per month with income-based discounts. For more information on how these rates compare to national averages and other details, visit the Bankrate website.
Cost comparison with national average
The cost of living in Wisconsin is 2% lower than the national average, with housing 11% lower, while utilities are 3% higher, and healthcare stands at 10% higher than the national average. Groceries and clothing costs are generally in line with or slightly higher than the national average. For further details, explore the Cost of Living Calculator for Wisconsin.