A
3%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
14%
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 Howard Wisconsin National
Cost of living10396100
Groceries9799100
Health care9698100
Housing11489100
Transportation9998100
Utilities99101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9498100
Household Items9899100
Education & Childcare10398100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Howard, WI

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Howard? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Howard stands at 103, making it 3% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

The cost of living in Howard 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 Howard Affordable?

Is Howard an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Howard, the median home price is 24.8% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 10% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Howard come in at $99,172, which is 21.9% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Howard?

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 Howard, the transportation index is 1.5% lower than the national average.

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 Howard, the healthcare costs are 3.7% lower than the national average.

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 Howard, the utilities index registers at 1.1% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Howard shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Howard is 7% higher than the Wisconsin average
  • The cost of living in Howard is 3% higher than the national average
  • Howard housing is 14% 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 Howard

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Compare Howard, 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$142,659$11,888$3,328$4,280
      Renters$61,077$5,090$1,425$1,832
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Howard, 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 Howard have a median income of $142,659. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $3,328 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $61,077, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,425.

      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%
      Angelica, WI96909.8%
      Seymour, WI3,551928.3%
      Green Bay, WI107,144928.4%
      Krakow, WI312937.3%
      Howard, WI20,4111032.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Bothell West, WA20,41115151.1%
      Havelock, NC20,409955.2%
      Hauppauge, NY20,41715453.8%
      Meadowbrook, VA20,4181077.1%
      Belle Glade, FL20,401937.3%
      Howard, WI20,4111032.7%
      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.