A+
1%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
7%
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 Burlington Wisconsin National
Cost of living10196100
Groceries9999100
Health care9698100
Housing10789100
Transportation10198100
Utilities103101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9698100
Household Items9999100
Education & Childcare9998100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Burlington, WI

The cost of living in Burlington 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 Burlington is 101, which is 1% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

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

Is Burlington Affordable?

Wondering if Burlington is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Burlington, for example, the median home price is 16.8% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 16.3% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Burlington boasting a median household income of $100,157, which is 23.1% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Burlington?

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 Burlington, the transportation index is 0.8% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Burlington, the standard sales tax rate starts at 5%, and the income tax rates commence at 3.54%.

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.

Where is the Data From?

The Burlington cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Burlington is 6% higher than the Wisconsin average
  • The cost of living in Burlington is 1% higher than the national average
  • Burlington housing is 7% higher 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 Burlington

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Compare Burlington, 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$145,374$12,115$3,392$4,362
      Renters$60,988$5,082$1,423$1,830
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Burlington 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. Burlington has a median income of about $145,374 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $3,392 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $60,988. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,423 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%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lake Ivanhoe, WI408945.7%
      Springfield, WI135963.8%
      Wilmot, WI228973.3%
      Camp Lake, WI4,340973.2%
      Eagle Lake, WI1,043982.4%
      Burlington, WI11,1991011.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Oneida, NY11,198973.1%
      Malvern, AR11,2038316.9%
      Raymondville, TX11,2038118.6%
      Rockport, TX11,1941032.9%
      Sussex, WI11,20411211.5%
      Burlington, WI11,1991011.3%
      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.