A+
14%
Overall NAT. AVG.
17%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
25%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Marshfield Wisconsin National
Cost of living8696100
Goods & Services8397100
Groceries9699100
Health care125112100
Housing7588100
Transportation8998100
Utilities95102100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Marshfield, WI

The cost of living in Marshfield affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Marshfield is 86, which is 14% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Everyday items like clothes, personal care products and fun activities all add up to what it costs to live. The thing is, in Marshfield, these goods and services are 17.4% cheaper than what people pay on average across the country. That means you can enjoy what you need and like without going broke. With these savings, you can stash more cash in your savings or use it for other money goals, which can really boost your financial health.

Is Marshfield Affordable?

Is Marshfield affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Marshfield, the median home price is 24.4% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 27.8% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Marshfield boasting a median household income of $52,322, 5.4% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Marshfield?

Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday goods and services like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Marshfield starts at 5% and the income tax rates start at 3.54%.

Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Marshfield, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Marshfield is 11% lower than the Wisconsin average
  • The cost of living in Marshfield is 14% lower than the national average
  • Marshfield housing is 25% lower than the national average
  • Wisconsin general sales tax is 2% lower than the national average
  • Wisconsin state income tax is 57% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Marshfield

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Compare Marshfield, WI Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$64,272$5,356$1,500$1,928
      Renters$34,666$2,889$809$1,040
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Marshfield is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Marshfield has a median income of about $64,272 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $1,500 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $34,666. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $809 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      Wisconsin Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Wisconsin 5% 6.75%

      Wisconsin Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Wisconsin 3.54% 7.65%

      Goods & Services

      Item Marshfield National avg. Difference
      Haircut $28.71$24.2618.3%
      Beauty Salon $44.93$45.561.4%
      Toothpaste $3.62$3.702.3%
      Shampoo $1.18$1.287.6%
      Movie $14.28$12.1317.7%
      Bowling $16.88$18.006.2%

      Groceries

      Item Marshfield National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.41$5.847.3%
      Fried Chicken $1.47$1.576.5%
      Milk $4.78$4.672.3%
      Potatoes $4.45$4.939.9%
      Pizza $12.91$12.096.8%
      Beer $8.70$10.4116.5%

      Health Care

      Item Marshfield National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $89.62$125.6828.7%
      Doctor $202.67$135.7849.3%
      Dentist $110.30$113.292.6%
      Ibuprofen $10.89$10.652.2%
      Lipitor $447.61$468.604.5%

      Housing

      Item Marshfield National avg. Difference
      Home Price $139,700.00$184,700.0024.4%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,296.35$2,346.692.1%
      Apartment Rent $685.00$949.0027.8%

      Transportation

      Item Marshfield National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.25$3.466.1%
      Tire Balancing $66.53$59.9211.0%

      Utilities

      Item Marshfield National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $214.46$193.9910.5%
      Phone $184.65$192.254.0%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Arpin, WI3197822.1%
      Chili, WI2797920.5%
      Unity, WI3538020.5%
      Vesper, WI5208020.1%
      Granton, WI3518019.9%
      Marshfield, WI18,2148614.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Trenton, MI18,214964.2%
      Steinbach, MB18,212n/a 
      Cudahy, WI18,211973.4%
      Pecan Grove, TX18,20411313.4%
      Burlington, KY18,2031011.4%
      Marshfield, WI18,2148614.4%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.