A+
2%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
4%
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 Brown Deer Wisconsin National
Cost of living9896100
Groceries10199100
Health care9698100
Housing9689100
Transportation9598100
Utilities102101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9498100
Household Items9999100
Education & Childcare10098100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Brown Deer, WI

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Brown Deer is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Brown Deer is 98, which is 2% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

The cost of living in Brown Deer closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Brown Deer can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Brown Deer Affordable?

Is Brown Deer 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 Brown Deer, the median home price is 4.6% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 1.6% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Brown Deer boasting a median household income of $102,429, 25.9% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Brown Deer?

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 Brown Deer, healthcare costs are 3.9% lower than the national average.

Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Brown Deer, the transportation index is 4.6% lower than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety of support mechanisms, 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. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Brown Deer are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Brown Deer is 2% higher than the Wisconsin average
  • The cost of living in Brown Deer is 2% lower than the national average
  • Brown Deer housing is 4% 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 Brown Deer

See all the best places to live around Brown Deer

Compare Brown Deer, 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$130,305$10,859$3,040$3,910
      Renters$58,522$4,877$1,365$1,756
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Brown Deer, WI, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Brown Deer homeowners, is $130,305. This would allow for a maximum of $3,040 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $58,522 which would result in a maximum of $1,365 to be spent on rental costs.

      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.
      Milwaukee, WI605,531937.2%
      West Milwaukee, WI4,258928.3%
      Lannon, WI1,221946.0%
      St. Francis, WI9,923954.9%
      West Allis, WI61,432936.8%
      Brown Deer, WI12,298982.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Port Lavaca, TX12,2958613.6%
      Port Washington, WI12,2941033.2%
      Pennsville, NJ12,293972.6%
      Healdsburg, CA12,28819190.8%
      Franklin, OH12,3118811.9%
      Brown Deer, WI12,298982.4%
      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.