B-
11%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
38%
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 Hudson Wisconsin National
Cost of living11196100
Groceries9999100
Health care9998100
Housing13889100
Transportation9898100
Utilities103101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment10298100
Household Items9799100
Education & Childcare10598100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Hudson, WI

Understanding the cost of living in Hudson 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 Hudson cost of living index is 111, which is 11% higher 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.

Housing costs make up a big chunk of the cost of living in Hudson, and they usually eat into a large part of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, both buying a home and renting one costs 37.7% more than the average city. This includes stuff like home prices, rent, mortgage rates, and insurance.

Is Hudson Affordable?

Wondering if Hudson 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 Hudson, for example, the median home price is 39.2% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 34.1% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Hudson boasting a median household income of $111,447, which is 37% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Hudson?

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 Hudson, the groceries index is 1% lower than the national average.

Utilities: As with the prices of anything else, utility costs can exhibit significant variations, contingent on factors like climate, energy source availability, geographic location and state regulations. The expenses associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, either upward or downward, depending on the particular city or state. In Hudson, the utilities index registers 3.2% higher than the national average.

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.

Where is the Data From?

The Hudson 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 Hudson is 16% higher than the Wisconsin average
  • The cost of living in Hudson is 11% higher than the national average
  • Hudson housing is 38% 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 Hudson

See all the best places to live around Hudson

Compare Hudson, 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$138,869$11,572$3,240$4,166
      Renters$74,705$6,225$1,743$2,241
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Hudson, WI, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Hudson, the median monthly income is $138,869 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $3,240 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $74,705, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,743 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Houlton, WI1091000.0%
      Landfall, MN8197227.9%
      Hammond, WI2,310963.6%
      Somerset, WI2,9311010.5%
      New Richmond, WI9,4791011.2%
      Hudson, WI14,44611111.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Oak Park, CA14,446201100.7%
      Jericho, NY14,44819493.5%
      Pierre, SD14,450973.2%
      Youngsville, LA14,4391076.5%
      Wixom, MI14,4391043.6%
      Hudson, WI14,44611111.4%
      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.