A+
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
16%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Baraboo Wisconsin National
Cost of living9596100
Groceries9999100
Health care9798100
Housing8489100
Transportation9698100
Utilities105101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment10098100
Household Items9699100
Education & Childcare10398100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Baraboo, WI

Knowing the cost of living in Baraboo allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Baraboo stands at 95, marking it 5% lower than the national average.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Baraboo are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Baraboo can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Is Baraboo Affordable?

Is Baraboo affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Baraboo, for instance, where the median home price falls 15.1% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 18.1% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Baraboo flaunting a median household income of $79,500, 2.3% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Baraboo?

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Baraboo, the utilities index stands at 4.7% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, including 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 farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Baraboo, healthcare costs are 3.1% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Baraboo cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Baraboo is 1% lower than the Wisconsin average
  • The cost of living in Baraboo is 5% lower than the national average
  • Baraboo housing is 16% lower than the national average
  • Wisconsin general sales tax is 2% lower than the national average
  • Wisconsin state income tax is 36% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Baraboo

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Compare Baraboo, WI Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$98,650$8,221$2,302$2,960
      Renters$48,306$4,026$1,127$1,449
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Baraboo, WI, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Baraboo, the median monthly income is $98,650 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,302 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $48,306, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,127 on monthly rental expenses.

      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%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Bluffview, WI7467722.6%
      Loganville, WI2669010.0%
      North Freedom, WI668909.7%
      Rock Springs, WI283918.8%
      Lake Delton, WI3,058936.9%
      Baraboo, WI12,549955.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Port Salerno, FL12,54811413.8%
      Bainbridge, GA12,552928.1%
      Braselton, GA12,54311818.0%
      Freeport, TX12,5418712.7%
      Poquoson, VA12,54112726.9%
      Baraboo, WI12,549955.3%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.