C
15%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
56%
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 Fitchburg Wisconsin National
Cost of living11596100
Groceries9799100
Health care9998100
Housing15689100
Transportation9698100
Utilities104101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9898100
Household Items9899100
Education & Childcare9498100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Fitchburg, WI

The cost of living in Fitchburg 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 Fitchburg is 115, which is 15% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Fitchburg cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 56.3% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Fitchburg Affordable?

Wondering if Fitchburg 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 Fitchburg, for example, the median home price is 74.9% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 13.1% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Fitchburg boasting a median household income of $113,916, which is 40.1% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Fitchburg?

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 Fitchburg, the utilities index registers at 3.8% higher 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 Fitchburg, healthcare costs are 1% lower than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Fitchburg, the groceries index is 3% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Fitchburg 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 Fitchburg is 21% higher than the Wisconsin average
  • The cost of living in Fitchburg is 15% higher than the national average
  • Fitchburg housing is 56% 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 Fitchburg

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Compare Fitchburg, 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$173,008$14,417$4,037$5,191
      Renters$73,790$6,149$1,722$2,214
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Fitchburg, 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 Fitchburg homeowners, is $173,008. This would allow for a maximum of $4,037 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $73,790 which would result in a maximum of $1,722 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.
      New Glarus, WI2,115981.9%
      Evansville, WI5,489991.3%
      Belleville, WI2,763991.2%
      Brooklyn, WI1,2521010.6%
      Stoughton, WI13,4111032.9%
      Fitchburg, WI30,94711515.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Banning, CA30,94511818.0%
      New Bern, NC30,984954.6%
      Chambly, QC30,986n/a 
      Atwater, CA30,99611919.4%
      Centre Wellington, ON30,896n/a 
      Fitchburg, WI30,94711515.3%
      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.