Cost of Living in Columbus, WI

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3%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
8%
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 Columbus Wisconsin National
Cost of living9796100
Groceries9999100
Health care9998100
Housing9289100
Transportation9798100
Utilities101101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment10198100
Household Items10099100
Education & Childcare9498100
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Homes For Sale In Columbus, WI

property for sale

118 O'Brien CT #10

Columbus, WI
property for sale

231 Campbell St

Columbus, WI
property for sale

218 S Water St

Columbus, WI
property for sale

656 W James St

Columbus, WI
See the Newest Homes For Sale In Columbus, WI

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Columbus is 1% higher than the Wisconsin average
  • The cost of living in Columbus is 3% lower than the national average
  • Columbus housing is 8% 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 Columbus

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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
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$114,669$9,556$2,675$3,440
      Renters$63,156$5,263$1,474$1,895
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Columbus 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. Columbus has a median income of about $114,669 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,675 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $63,156. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,474 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.
      Randolph, WI1,6788812.3%
      Cambria, WI7148812.2%
      Lowell, WI2418812.0%
      Reeseville, WI736909.9%
      Rio, WI1,070919.4%
      Columbus, WI5,266973.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Iowa Falls, IA5,2668515.2%
      Berkeley, IL5,2661000.2%
      Worland, WY5,267936.9%
      Farmers Loop, AK5,26412423.9%
      Homestead Meadows North, TX5,2638911.0%
      Columbus, WI5,266973.4%
      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.
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