A+
2%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
1%
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 Elkhorn Wisconsin National
Cost of living9896100
Groceries9899100
Health care9798100
Housing9989100
Transportation10098100
Utilities99101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9698100
Household Items9699100
Education & Childcare10298100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Elkhorn, WI

The cost of living in Elkhorn 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 Elkhorn is 98, which is 2% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

The cost of living in Elkhorn is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

Is Elkhorn Affordable?

Is Elkhorn an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Elkhorn is 1.9% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 9% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Elkhorn has a median household income of $95,499, which is 17.4% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Elkhorn?

Urbanization: Larger, urban centers, known for their wealth of amenities and strong employment prospects, often exhibit an elevated cost of living, primarily attributable to the heightened demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this scenario leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural areas or regions characterized by diminished demand typically provide a more limited array of amenities and experience slower job market growth, resulting in a more affordable cost of living.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Elkhorn, the healthcare costs are 3.4% 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 Elkhorn 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 Elkhorn is 3% higher than the Wisconsin average
  • The cost of living in Elkhorn is 2% lower than the national average
  • Elkhorn housing is 1% 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 Elkhorn

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Compare Elkhorn, WI Cost of Living

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      Utilities index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$121,111$10,093$2,826$3,634
      Renters$47,423$3,952$1,106$1,423
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Elkhorn, 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 Elkhorn, the median monthly income is $121,111 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,826 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $47,423, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,106 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.
      Lake Ivanhoe, WI408945.7%
      Sharon, WI1,656936.7%
      Palmyra, WI2,104936.8%
      Delavan, WI8,509946.2%
      Darien, WI1,502955.5%
      Elkhorn, WI10,351981.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Española, NM10,349937.2%
      Lancaster, NY10,3491000.2%
      The Pinery, CO10,34816160.7%
      Vernon, TX10,3478316.6%
      Red Bank, SC10,356927.8%
      Elkhorn, WI10,351981.7%
      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.