A+
6%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
15%
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 Janesville Wisconsin National
Cost of living9496100
Groceries9899100
Health care9798100
Housing8589100
Transportation10098100
Utilities99101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9698100
Household Items9699100
Education & Childcare10298100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Janesville, WI

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Janesville 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 Janesville is 94, which is 6% lower 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.

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

Is Janesville Affordable?

Wondering if Janesville 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 Janesville, for example, the median home price is 18.3% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 8.4% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Janesville boasting a median household income of $83,925, which is 3.2% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Janesville?

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.

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 Janesville, the healthcare costs are 3.4% lower than the national average.

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 Janesville, the transportation index is 0.5% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Janesville 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 Janesville is 2% lower than the Wisconsin average
  • The cost of living in Janesville is 6% lower than the national average
  • Janesville housing is 15% 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 Janesville

See all the best places to live around Janesville

Compare Janesville, 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$103,676$8,640$2,419$3,111
      Renters$55,241$4,603$1,289$1,657
      The affordability of the housing market in Janesville, WI as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Janesville homeowners, the median income is $103,676. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,419 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $55,241. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,289 for their rent related monthly costs.

      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.
      Hanover, WI1228514.8%
      Beloit, WI37,9388712.7%
      Footville, WI1,0599010.3%
      South Beloit, IL7,9249010.0%
      Clinton, WI2,042936.9%
      Janesville, WI66,492945.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Port Coquitlam, BC66,485n/a 
      Bethesda, MD66,466203103.4%
      Ankeny, IA66,5921055.5%
      Port Charlotte, FL66,3831033.5%
      Florence-Graham, CA66,60313838.2%
      Janesville, WI66,492945.9%
      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.