| Index | Brookfield | Wisconsin | National |
| Cost of living | 121 | 96 | 100 |
| Groceries | 98 | 99 | 100 |
| Health care | 97 | 98 | 100 |
| Housing | 174 | 89 | 100 |
| Transportation | 99 | 98 | 100 |
| Utilities | 98 | 101 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 97 | 98 | 100 |
| Household Items | 99 | 99 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 101 | 98 | 100 |
Understanding the cost of living in Brookfield can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Brookfield cost of living index is 121, which is 21% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.
The cost of living in Brookfield is among the highest in the country, making it a very expensive place to live. Only a small fraction of regions boast a cost of living that is at least 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Brookfield falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.
When it comes to the cost of living in Brookfield, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 73.6% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.
Is Brookfield 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 Brookfield, the median home price is 81.7% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 54.9% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Brookfield boasting a median household income of $159,709, 96.4% higher than the national average.
Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Brookfield, the utilities index registers at 2% lower than the national average.
Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Brookfield, healthcare costs are 2.8% lower than the national average.
Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.
The Brookfield 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.
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| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $171,603 | $14,300 | $4,004 | $5,149 |
| Renters | $121,399 | $10,117 | $2,832 | $3,642 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Wisconsin | 5% | 6.75% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Wisconsin | 3.54% | 7.65% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Milwaukee, WI | 605,531 | 93 | 7.2% |
| West Milwaukee, WI | 4,258 | 92 | 8.3% |
| Lannon, WI | 1,221 | 94 | 6.0% |
| St. Francis, WI | 9,923 | 95 | 4.9% |
| West Allis, WI | 61,432 | 93 | 6.8% |
| Brookfield, WI | 39,415 | 121 | 20.9% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Brighton, CO | 39,406 | 126 | 25.6% |
| Tupelo, MS | 39,384 | 92 | 7.6% |
| Florence, SC | 39,448 | 95 | 4.8% |
| East Meadow, NY | 39,378 | 151 | 50.8% |
| Lynnwood, WA | 39,454 | 138 | 38.0% |
| Brookfield, WI | 39,415 | 121 | 20.9% |
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