| Index | Grafton | Wisconsin | National |
| Cost of living | 106 | 96 | 100 |
| Groceries | 100 | 99 | 100 |
| Health care | 97 | 98 | 100 |
| Housing | 123 | 89 | 100 |
| Transportation | 98 | 98 | 100 |
| Utilities | 99 | 101 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 101 | 98 | 100 |
| Household Items | 101 | 99 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 98 | 98 | 100 |
Getting a feel for the cost of living in Grafton is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Grafton is 106, which is 6% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.
The cost of living in Grafton closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Grafton can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.
Housing costs are a major factor in the Grafton cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 22.6% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.
Is Grafton 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 Grafton is 32.2% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 0.3% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Grafton has a median household income of $113,134, which is 39.1% higher than the national average.
Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Grafton, is 22.6% higher than the national average.
Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.
Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In Grafton, the transportation index is 2.2% lower than the national average.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Grafton are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.
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| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $127,372 | $10,614 | $2,972 | $3,822 |
| Renters | $67,667 | $5,639 | $1,579 | $2,030 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Wisconsin | 5% | 6.75% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Wisconsin | 3.54% | 7.65% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Lannon, WI | 1,221 | 94 | 6.0% |
| Butler, WI | 2,034 | 95 | 4.6% |
| Brown Deer, WI | 12,298 | 98 | 2.4% |
| West Bend, WI | 32,289 | 99 | 1.2% |
| Belgium, WI | 2,276 | 100 | 0.3% |
| Grafton, WI | 12,131 | 106 | 6.2% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Emeryville, CA | 12,131 | 171 | 71.1% |
| Crossville, TN | 12,131 | 95 | 5.2% |
| Dent, OH | 12,130 | 104 | 4.0% |
| Bucyrus, OH | 12,135 | 83 | 16.5% |
| Webb City, MO | 12,139 | 87 | 12.8% |
| Grafton, WI | 12,131 | 106 | 6.2% |
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