A+
8%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
23%
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 Green Bay Wisconsin National
Cost of living9296100
Groceries9799100
Health care9698100
Housing7789100
Transportation9998100
Utilities99101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9498100
Household Items9899100
Education & Childcare10398100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Green Bay, WI

The cost of living in Green Bay 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 Green Bay is 92, which is 8% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Green Bay are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Green Bay can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Green Bay?

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 6 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Green Bay. The feedback revealed that 50% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 50% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Green Bay Affordable?

Is Green Bay affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Green Bay, for instance, where the median home price falls 23.2% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 21% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Green Bay flaunting a median household income of $78,887, 3% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Green Bay?

Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.

Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Green Bay, the transportation index is 1.5% 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 Green Bay, the groceries index is 3.5% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Green Bay 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 Green Bay is 4% lower than the Wisconsin average
  • The cost of living in Green Bay is 8% lower than the national average
  • Green Bay housing is 23% 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 Green Bay

See all the best places to live around Green Bay

Compare Green Bay, 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$100,243$8,354$2,339$3,008
      Renters$51,534$4,295$1,202$1,546
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Green Bay, WI, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Green Bay, homeowners have a median income of $100,243. Using that number, a maximum of $2,339 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $51,534, which means there is a maximum of $1,202 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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.
      Sobieski, WI4328811.8%
      Denmark, WI2,403919.4%
      Greenleaf, WI661946.2%
      Allouez, WI14,152964.1%
      Ashwaubenon, WI17,618963.7%
      Green Bay, WI107,144928.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Allen, TX107,54212221.7%
      League City, TX107,57111312.7%
      Burbank, CA106,56819190.5%
      Norwalk, CA107,72515252.3%
      Rialto, CA106,52413332.5%
      Green Bay, WI107,144928.4%
      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.