Have you heard of the state of Wisconsin? Where is Wisconsin situated? If yes or no, do not worry. The following article provides brief insights into the lifestyle, cost of living, and inhabitation conditions in the top cities of Wisconsin.
Wisconsin shares boundaries with the Montreal River. It is bordered by Lake Michigan to the north and Illinois to the south. American Revolution formed the state of Wisconsin and was admitted to the Union as the 30th state in 1848.
On a scale of 100, the cost of living in Wisconsin in index terms is about 90.9.
Is Wisconsin expensive to live?
Wisconsin is a state in the upper western US. It is one of the most affordable states in the US, with a decent cost of living. Wisconsin’s cost of living is 7 percent higher than the national average. Factors like area, career, average salary, and real estate determine the cost of living in an area. The average living to maintain a decent lifestyle in Wisconsin comes to around $29,784.
The housing costs are high in Madison and other cities in the state. Basic amenities like healthcare and education are on the higher side. Not forget to mention, the utilities will also cost you high.
Wisconsin’s cost of living is affordable with access to good amenities and facilities.
How much does it cost to live comfortably in Wisconsin?
On average, it takes about $29,784 to live comfortably in Wisconsin. The cost of living is the amount of money required to maintain a decent lifestyle and provide basic accommodations or necessities like food, accommodation, healthcare, and other stuff. A family of four can easily sustain in the state with an average income of $4000/month and $48,000/year.
The state of Wisconsin has a living index of 90.9 which is below the national average and is ranked 11th in the US for healthcare, food, and utilities. The state has an overall ranking of 8 across multiple metrics.
Read on to learn in detail about individual metrics and values.
The cost of living in Wisconsin is lower than the national average in most cities other than Waunakee, Madison, and Mequon.
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Cost of Living in Wisconsin
The Cost of Living in Wisconsin is based on various metrics like housing, utilities, food, and healthcare. Education, tax rates, and transportation are other key parameters to assess living in an area. Madison has the highest cost of living in Wisconsin. Detailed insights on these individual parameters are given below.
1. Groceries Prices in Wisconsin
The average index of grocery prices is 94.7 compared to the national average of 100. Food prices in the state are on the rise and have already increased by 9 percent. Overall, the monthly minimum amount of money for food in a month is around $329.25.
The prices of food items are escalating in the state due to a shortage of workforce, increased consumer demand, and high fuel prices.
Groceries include milk, a loaf of white bread, rice, eggs, bananas, and vegetables. The standard prices for these goods are $0.20, $0.87, $0.57, $0.29, and $1, respectively.
How much does food cost in Wisconsin?
The average cost of food is $34 per day. For a month, it is around $329.25.
How much does a loaf of bread cost in Wisconsin?
A loaf of bread costs around $0.87 per person a day.
2. Price of Utilities
Essential utilities include gas, electricity, and heating. The combined cost of these utilities accounts for $142 in Wisconsin.
An average household in the state used less than 700 kilowatts per month for an annual average electricity bill of $1153. Wisconsin has an index of 99 against the national average of 100 in terms of utilities like gas, heating fuels, and electricity.
Residential electricity rates rank the 14th in the US. Some of the best places to live in Wisconsin are the counties of Ozaukee and Milkauwee.
How much is an electric bill in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin’s average monthly commercial electricity bill is around $595 and is 5.41% less than the national average of $629. The average monthly residential bill is $93 and is less than the national average by 13.08%.
How much do utilities cost in Wisconsin?
Utilities like gas, electricity, and heating fuels cost around $142 in an 85-square-meter apartment in Wisconsin.
3. Cost for healthcare in Wisconsin
The average cost of healthcare is calculated using standard daily hospital rates, dental rates, and costs to a doctor’s office.
The cost of healthcare in this state is higher than the national average, having an index of 100.3 as compared to 100, indicating the higher value of healthcare charges.
How much does Obamacare cost in Wisconsin?
Obamacare in Wisconsin offers charges based on income. The bronze plans of Obamacare range from $4500 to $5800 per year. Tax credits are assigned if one earns less than the federal average, and individuals need to pay less.
What is the average cost of health per month?
Monthly insurance health rates in Wisconsin are around $83.
How much is health insurance for a family of 4 in Wisconsin?
The health insurance for a family of 4 costs around $1703 per month for health coverage. A family of four includes two parents and two children’s.
4. Wisconsin Home Prices
The median cost of Wisconsin home prices is $231,300 compared to the national average of $291,700.
The rates have increased post-pandemic due to the fall of mortgage rates and the shift of consumers from spending to housing. House owners are not willing to sell their apartments, and supply is not optimum. Due to increased supply and reduced demand, house prices in Wisconsin have been up by 10 percent over the last year.
Beetown, Doylestown, and Milltown are some of the best-known towns in Wisconsin.
Are house prices dropping in Wisconsin?
The average price of a home in Wisconsin has been up by 10.3% over the last year. Prices are escalating, ranging between $100,000 to $500,000.
How is the housing market right now in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin’s real estate market is on a high at a constant rate of increase of 10%. There is an increased demand for estates and apartments in the state. The number of days a house gets listed and sold has become less. The increase is attributed to the falling mortgage rates.
How much are home prices right now in Wisconsin?
The median cost of a house in Wisconsin is about $231,300.
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5. Education
On average, how much does it take to educate children in Wisconsin?
The answer to this question largely depends on the location and neighborhood. The average tuition fee for colleges in Wisconsin is around $6250 for in-state and $20,515 for out-of-state. The cost of education in Wisconsin is higher than the national average.
How much does public school cost in Wisconsin?
The average annual fee for a 4-year course costs $6800. The cost is $30 more than the previous year, indicating a rise of 0.44%.
How much does college charge for 4 years in Wisconsin?
The average tuition fee for colleges in Wisconsin is around $20,515.
Is the public school in Wisconsin free?
Yes, public schools in Wisconsin offer free online courses to students.
How much does Wisconsin University cost?
Wisconsin University charges about $106,212 for students graduating in standard time for 4-year courses.
6. Wisconsin Tax rates
Wisconsin tax has four taxation brackets with a maximum marginal income tax rate of 7.65%.
So, you can say that it has a progressive tax system. The lower bracket has lower tax rates, whereas the higher bracket has higher tax rates. The rates depend on the filing status and income ratio.
The new effective tax system in Wisconsin is ranked 22nd in the US.
What is the income taxes in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin has tax rates ranging from 3.54 percent to 7.65 percent. It has a progressive and multifaceted tax system.
What is the sales tax in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin has an average sales tax of 5.00 percent. The lowest sales tax is 1.75 percent, having the combined tax of state and local sales tax rates is 5.43 percent.
What is the property taxes in Wisconsin?
1.63% of the total cost of the property is paid as property taxes in Wisconsin. The property tax system ranks the 7th highest in the US.
7. Wisconsin Public Transportation
The Wisconsin Public Transport Association manages the state’s transport system, consisting of local bus systems, shared taxis, and numerous other stakeholders and shareholders. The transit system is a popular and necessary mode for residents to get to work, school, or even travel.
Prime modes of transportation in Wisconsin are local bus transit lines, air, rail, and ferry systems.
Wisconsin has a transportation index of 86.9 as compared to the national average. The transport systems are cheaper than the national average.
How much is a bus pass in Wisconsin?
The average cost of a bus pass every month is around $60. A special program for transit bus riders offers a subsidized travel fee of $2 per day.
How much does public transportation cost per month in Wisconsin?
Public transportation in Wisconsin costs about $62 per month.
8. The average cost for energy and fuels
Heating systems are used by 28 percent of the population of the state of Wisconsin. A resident of Wisconsin has to pay about $330 to $350 from November to March to consume sources of natural gas.
The average natural gas cost is around $95.5 in Wisconsin, US. The average cost of using electric heat is $960. Halogen heaters are the cheapest heat radiators in the state of Wisconsin.
Thus, Wisconsin’s energy and sources of fuels include natural gas and electric or halogen heaters. The energy costs are less than the national average.
What is the current gas price in Wisconsin?
The current gas price in Wisconsin is $3.88 as compared to the national average of $4.141.
What is the average heating bill in Wisconsin?
The average heating bill in Wisconsin is about 70-100 dollars per month.
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9. Miscellaneous Things
Miscellaneous items include clothing, repair, restaurants, and entertainment. Wisconsin has an index of 99 as compared to the national average of 100. The cost of miscellaneous things is on par with the rest of the US. Moving to Wisconsin guide provides a detailed insight into the lifestyle costs in the state.
Make a comparison table of miscellaneous things
| Service/Item | Wisconsin | National Average |
| Clothing | 99 | 100 |
| Food | 95 | 99 |
| Entertainment | 99 | 100 |
| Repair | 98 | 100 |
The average index price is measured on a scale of 100 as the national average index is taken to be 100. Other parameters are measured accordingly.
10. Make a comparison table of living things
| Parameters | Wisconsin | National Average |
| Groceries | 94.7 | 100 |
| Utility | 99 | 100 |
| Health | 100.3 | 100 |
| Transportation | 86.9 | 100 |
| Housing | 81.4 | 100 |
| Median Home cost | $ 231,300 | $291,700 |
The average index price is measured on a scale of 100 as the national average index is taken to be 100. Other parameters are measured accordingly.
The average cost of living in Wisconsin is affordable by comparing the following parameters.
Cost of living in Wisconsin FAQs
Is Wisconsin cheap to live?
Wisconsin is cheaper to live in than prime cities like New York and Hawaii. It has a living index of 90.9, indicating high lifestyle and healthcare costs. One needs to have a stable and decent income to sustain in most cities of Wisconsin with ease and comfort. Indeed, the cost of living is lower than the national average.
How much does it cost in Wisconsin per year?
An income of $29,784 is required to live a life of comfort and convenience in Wisconsin. A family of four can easily sustain in the state with an average income of $4000/month and $48,000/year. Housing costs are lower than the national average but healthcare is expensive. All the other costs of necessities and amenities are on par with the national average.
Conclusion
Now that you have learned about Wisconsin and its lifestyle costs, what are your views on the state? Before considering a move to the state, make sure to research moving and lifestyle costs to suit the budget needs and demands. Wisconsin is known for its geographical variations and landscapes.
The state has an affordable cost of living with a decent standard of living. Healthcare costs are a bit expensive, but other parameters are well below the national average. Make sure to research the localities, neighborhoods, and other amenities before making a move to the state. If you prefer a perfect blend of rural or urban co-existence, Wisconsin is the place for you!
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