A+
6%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
18%
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 Kaukauna Wisconsin National
Cost of living9496100
Groceries9899100
Health care9698100
Housing8289100
Transportation9998100
Utilities102101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9798100
Household Items9999100
Education & Childcare10098100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Kaukauna, WI

The cost of living in Kaukauna 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 Kaukauna is 94, which is 6% 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 Kaukauna are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Kaukauna can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Is Kaukauna Affordable?

Is Kaukauna 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 Kaukauna is 20.6% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 10.8% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Kaukauna has a median household income of $97,071, which is 19.4% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Kaukauna?

Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Kaukauna, the general sales tax rate starts at 5%, and income tax rates begin at 3.54%.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Kaukauna, the utilities index is 1.5% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Kaukauna 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.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Kaukauna is 2% lower than the Wisconsin average
  • The cost of living in Kaukauna is 6% lower than the national average
  • Kaukauna housing is 18% 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 Kaukauna

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Compare Kaukauna, 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$121,655$10,138$2,838$3,650
      Renters$67,548$5,629$1,576$2,027
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Kaukauna, 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 Kaukauna have a median income of $121,655. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,838 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $67,548, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,576.

      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.
      Hilbert, WI1,0738911.1%
      Black Creek, WI1,430909.6%
      Collins, WI214919.0%
      Forest Junction, WI702918.7%
      Menasha, WI18,920918.6%
      Kaukauna, WI16,758946.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Rio Linda, CA16,75712928.6%
      Pinehurst, NC16,76011919.3%
      Uvalde, TX16,7538812.5%
      Hernando, MS16,7521010.8%
      Lake St. Louis, MO16,74911010.1%
      Kaukauna, WI16,758946.4%
      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.