Wisconsin cost of living
Moving to a new state can seem like a huge undertaking. Becoming part of your chosen community and exploring your new surroundings will take some time, but preparation and taking care of the practical side of things can help ease the load.
Moving can also be costly and emotionally draining. Whether you're relocating to Wisconsin for a job, a change of scenery or any other reason, understanding the cost of living in the state is crucial for a smooth transition.
The median rent in Wisconsin is $1,150.28, versus the national median rent of $1,529.01.
Jump to insightResidents in Wisconsin spend $221.46 weekly on food at home and $84.76 on food out.
Jump to insightAs of publishing, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $3.25 in Wisconsin.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in Wisconsin pay $1,685 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightHousing costs in Wisconsin
According to recent data from Zillow, the median rent in Wisconsin is $1,150.28, while the national median rent is $1,529.01.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows rent prices in Wisconsin broken down by home size. As of publishing, one-bedroom apartments in Wisconsin had a median cost of $820 per month, and the two-bedroom median cost was $1,011 per month. Three- and four-bedroom homes had median costs of $1,169 and $1,285, respectively.
As of publishing, the median home price in Wisconsin is $310,000, according to Redfin. The U.S. median home price is $436,000.
The median home price in the Milwaukee metro area was $354,000 in the first quarter of 2024, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
Wisconsin ranks No. 8 for highest effective property tax rates in the nation, according to the most recent Tax Foundation data, at 1.61%.
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Food costs in Wisconsin
According to recent census data, the average spent on food to prepare at home each week in Wisconsin is $221.46, compared with the U.S. average of $270.21 at the time. Wisconsin residents spend an average of $84.76 weekly on food prepared outside the home, compared with the U.S. average of $109.21.
Transportation costs in Wisconsin
According to recent data from AAA, the average price per gallon of regular gas in Wisconsin is $3.25, compared with the U.S. average of $3.46.
The most recent National Association of Insurance Commissioners data shows that the average auto insurance premium (liability, collision and comprehensive coverage combined) in Wisconsin is $824.23, versus the national average of $1,189.50.
Public transportation costs
Public transit opportunities depend on where you live in Wisconsin. Milwaukee ranked No. 29 in our 2024 ranking of cities with the best public transit. Bus fares start at $2 per ride as of 2024.
Health care costs in Wisconsin
The most recent KFF data shows that, on average, employer-sponsored health insurance cost Wisconsin employees $1,685 annually, with employers covering the remaining $5,988 of the $7,673 total cost.
Nationwide, the average employee contribution was $1,637 out of a total premium of $7,590.
Utility costs in Wisconsin
According to the most recent data from the Energy Information Administration, the average monthly electric bill in Wisconsin is $106.94, versus $135.25 countrywide.
Recent EIA data also shows that natural gas in Wisconsin costs $9.96 per thousand cubic feet, compared with $13.25 nationally.
FAQ
How does the cost of living in Wisconsin compare with the national average?
Overall, Wisconsin’s cost of living is slightly more expensive than the U.S. average, based on our 2023 cost of living survey.
Is Wisconsin a good place for retirees?
In our 2024 analysis, Green Bay earned the No. 7 spot on our list of best cities for retirees.
How much does it cost to move across the country?
If you’re moving more than 1,000 miles away, it’s likely to cost you several thousand dollars to hire professional movers. Fortunately, there are ways to make your cross-country move cheaper.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Zillow, "Housing Data." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Redfin, "Redfin Data Center." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Tax Foundation, "Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?" Accessed May 14, 2024.
- United States Census Bureau, "Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- AAA Gas Prices, "State Gas Price Averages." Accessed June 14, 2024.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, "2020/2021 Auto Insurance Database Report." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- KFF, "Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, "2022 Average Monthly Bill- Residential." Accessed May 14, 2024.
