Wisconsin Cost of Living
Housing costs and affordability data for 72 counties.
Average Monthly Rent
$891/mo
Average Home Value
$217,832
Average Owner Cost
$1,057/mo
At a Glance
Housing Costs in Wisconsin: An Overview
The median rent in Wisconsin is $891 per month, which is 23% below the national median of $1,163. This makes the state relatively affordable compared to much of the country.
Within Wisconsin, housing costs vary significantly by county. Dane County is the most expensive county with a median rent of $1,345 per month and a median home value of $366,100. At the other end of the spectrum, Forest County offers the most affordable housing, with a median rent of $585 per month and homes valued at a median of $170,000.
The average home value across Wisconsin counties is $217,832, 23% lower than the national median of $281,900. With a median household income of roughly $71,715, homeownership remains within reach for many households.
Before moving to Wisconsin, it is worth understanding the local housing landscape. Costs can swing dramatically between rural and urban counties, so researching the specific county you plan to live in is essential. Use the county-level data below to compare rent, home values, and affordability ratings so you can budget accurately for your relocation.
Distribution
Rent Distribution in Wisconsin
How median rents are spread across 72 counties
Top 5 Most Expensive Counties
Top 5 Most Affordable Counties
All Wisconsin Counties
| County | Median Rent | Home Value | Owner Cost | Rent/Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dane County | Moderate$1,345/mo | $366,100 | $1,742/mo | 28.0% |
| Waukesha County | Moderate$1,300/mo | $373,600 | $1,628/mo | 27.0% |
| St. Croix County | Moderate$1,238/mo | $349,700 | $1,626/mo | 24.0% |
| Kenosha County | Moderate$1,175/mo | $247,800 | $1,341/mo | 28.0% |
| Washington County | Moderate$1,126/mo | $316,200 | $1,455/mo | 26.0% |
| Ozaukee County | Moderate$1,112/mo | $368,900 | $1,572/mo | 23.0% |
| Walworth County | Moderate$1,090/mo | $275,900 | $1,347/mo | 26.0% |
| Milwaukee County | Moderate$1,069/mo | $216,500 | $1,332/mo | 29.0% |
| Pierce County | Moderate$1,025/mo | $308,600 | $1,480/mo | 28.0% |
| La Crosse County | Moderate$1,023/mo | $243,200 | $1,221/mo | 28.0% |
| Rock County | Moderate$1,019/mo | $215,900 | $1,129/mo | 26.0% |
| Racine County | Moderate$1,017/mo | $239,400 | $1,278/mo | 26.0% |
| Jefferson County | Moderate$1,012/mo | $253,800 | $1,342/mo | 25.0% |
| Calumet County | Moderate$1,002/mo | $252,100 | $1,250/mo | 24.0% |
| Outagamie County | Affordable$998/mo | $244,100 | $1,197/mo | 23.0% |
| Door County | Affordable$995/mo | $305,800 | $1,074/mo | 26.0% |
| Eau Claire County | Affordable$977/mo | $242,400 | $1,185/mo | 24.0% |
| Brown County | Affordable$973/mo | $245,900 | $1,231/mo | 25.0% |
| Sauk County | Affordable$970/mo | $242,400 | $1,228/mo | 26.0% |
| Chippewa County | Affordable$963/mo | $237,700 | $1,055/mo | 25.0% |
| Dodge County | Affordable$963/mo | $218,400 | $1,168/mo | 23.0% |
| Polk County | Affordable$958/mo | $241,200 | $1,144/mo | 23.0% |
| Marathon County | Affordable$950/mo | $205,500 | $1,027/mo | 25.0% |
| Dunn County | Affordable$942/mo | $226,200 | $1,164/mo | 25.0% |
| Iowa County | Affordable$941/mo | $248,100 | $1,183/mo | 23.0% |
| Columbia County | Affordable$926/mo | $258,700 | $1,275/mo | 23.0% |
| Fond du Lac County | Affordable$926/mo | $209,800 | $1,083/mo | 24.0% |
| Winnebago County | Affordable$924/mo | $208,600 | $1,121/mo | 25.0% |
| Monroe County | Affordable$920/mo | $197,200 | $965/mo | 25.0% |
| Douglas County | Affordable$903/mo | $190,400 | $1,076/mo | 27.0% |
| Portage County | Affordable$903/mo | $230,400 | $1,026/mo | 26.0% |
| Sheboygan County | Affordable$889/mo | $218,400 | $1,063/mo | 23.0% |
| Trempealeau County | Affordable$887/mo | $203,300 | $1,083/mo | 23.0% |
| Florence County | Affordable$871/mo | $170,000 | $773/mo | 22.0% |
| Oneida County | Affordable$868/mo | $227,500 | $905/mo | 26.0% |
| Pepin County | Affordable$860/mo | $196,100 | $991/mo | 24.0% |
| Barron County | Affordable$859/mo | $198,300 | $938/mo | 27.0% |
| Green County | Affordable$851/mo | $236,900 | $1,238/mo | 22.0% |
| Juneau County | Affordable$847/mo | $165,200 | $948/mo | 24.0% |
| Kewaunee County | Affordable$839/mo | $208,900 | $1,029/mo | 23.0% |
| Lafayette County | Affordable$835/mo | $182,100 | $1,055/mo | 25.0% |
| Waupaca County | Affordable$834/mo | $192,800 | $1,039/mo | 24.0% |
| Wood County | Affordable$831/mo | $168,100 | $838/mo | 25.0% |
| Vernon County | Affordable$826/mo | $210,600 | $956/mo | 21.0% |
| Buffalo County | Affordable$822/mo | $197,600 | $1,058/mo | 24.0% |
| Rusk County | Affordable$816/mo | $152,000 | $827/mo | 26.0% |
| Washburn County | Affordable$815/mo | $207,900 | $895/mo | 28.0% |
| Grant County | Affordable$812/mo | $186,300 | $929/mo | 27.0% |
| Vilas County | Affordable$810/mo | $270,700 | $884/mo | 21.0% |
| Crawford County | Affordable$809/mo | $175,100 | $804/mo | 22.0% |
| Green Lake County | Affordable$806/mo | $206,300 | $973/mo | 25.0% |
| Price County | Affordable$801/mo | $146,000 | $772/mo | 24.0% |
| Marquette County | Affordable$800/mo | $201,100 | $989/mo | 25.0% |
| Oconto County | Affordable$796/mo | $212,000 | $966/mo | 24.0% |
| Adams County | Affordable$789/mo | $184,500 | $845/mo | 24.0% |
| Bayfield County | Affordable$789/mo | $228,100 | $898/mo | 22.0% |
| Jackson County | Affordable$789/mo | $186,900 | $983/mo | 25.0% |
| Waushara County | Affordable$789/mo | $186,000 | $923/mo | 25.0% |
| Clark County | Affordable$786/mo | $163,800 | $881/mo | 22.0% |
| Richland County | Affordable$786/mo | $182,800 | $930/mo | 25.0% |
| Taylor County | Affordable$786/mo | $186,500 | $947/mo | 25.0% |
| Manitowoc County | Affordable$777/mo | $172,900 | $884/mo | 22.0% |
| Shawano County | Affordable$777/mo | $179,100 | $932/mo | 25.0% |
| Lincoln County | Affordable$768/mo | $177,700 | $885/mo | 31.0% |
| Burnett County | Affordable$758/mo | $215,500 | $814/mo | 26.0% |
| Marinette County | Affordable$749/mo | $154,600 | $776/mo | 22.0% |
| Langlade County | Affordable$737/mo | $145,800 | $657/mo | 26.0% |
| Sawyer County | Affordable$683/mo | $223,300 | $876/mo | 25.0% |
| Ashland County | Affordable$665/mo | $160,500 | $872/mo | 25.0% |
| Iron County | Affordable$640/mo | $155,200 | $738/mo | 29.0% |
| Menominee County | Affordable$624/mo | $97,000 | $586/mo | 23.0% |
| Forest County | Affordable$585/mo | $170,000 | $754/mo | 19.0% |
Compare Wisconsin to Other States
See how Wisconsin counties stack up against counties in other states. Compare rent, home values, and affordability side by side.
Start a ComparisonFrequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin Housing Costs
What is the most affordable county in Wisconsin?
What is the most expensive county to live in Wisconsin?
How does Wisconsin's cost of living compare to the national average?
What is the average home value in Wisconsin?
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Compare Moving QuotesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.