A+
9%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
26%
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 Fond du Lac Wisconsin National
Cost of living9196100
Groceries9899100
Health care9998100
Housing7489100
Transportation10198100
Utilities99101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9798100
Household Items9999100
Education & Childcare9698100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Fond du Lac, WI

Understanding the cost of living in Fond du Lac can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Fond du Lac cost of living index is 91, which is 9% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

The cost of living in Fond du Lac 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 Fond du Lac Affordable?

Is Fond du Lac 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 Fond du Lac is 27.8% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 21.1% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Fond du Lac has a median household income of $79,888, which is 1.8% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Fond du Lac?

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Fond du Lac, the groceries index is 1.7% lower than the national average.

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.

Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Fond du Lac, the transportation index is 1.1% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Fond du Lac cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Fond du Lac is 5% lower than the Wisconsin average
  • The cost of living in Fond du Lac is 9% lower than the national average
  • Fond du Lac housing is 26% 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 Fond du Lac

See all the best places to live around Fond du Lac

Compare Fond du Lac, 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$105,400$8,783$2,459$3,162
      Renters$52,066$4,339$1,215$1,562
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Fond du Lac, WI, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Fond du Lac have a median income of $105,400. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,459 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $52,066, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,215.

      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.
      Van Dyne, WI2418811.9%
      Mount Calvary, WI623909.7%
      North Fond du Lac, WI5,236909.5%
      Waupun, WI11,501919.3%
      Eden, WI820919.2%
      Fond du Lac, WI44,014918.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Edmonds, WA44,02315959.5%
      Brentwood, TN44,02516666.4%
      North Miami Beach, FL44,0341088.3%
      Vernon, BC43,975n/a 
      Rocky View County, AB44,056n/a 
      Fond du Lac, WI44,014918.7%
      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.