| Index | La Crosse | Wisconsin | National |
| Cost of living | 95 | 96 | 100 |
| Groceries | 100 | 99 | 100 |
| Health care | 99 | 98 | 100 |
| Housing | 84 | 89 | 100 |
| Transportation | 95 | 98 | 100 |
| Utilities | 104 | 101 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 101 | 98 | 100 |
| Household Items | 100 | 99 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 96 | 98 | 100 |
Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in La Crosse? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in La Crosse stands at 95, making it 5% lower 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 La Crosse closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of La Crosse can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.
Is La Crosse 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 La Crosse is 16.7% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 15.2% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. La Crosse has a median household income of $70,149, which is 13.8% lower than the national average.
Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In La Crosse, the groceries index registers 0.3% higher than the national average.
Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum of support mechanisms, 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 farming subsidies. Areas offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.
Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In La Crosse, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 5%, and income tax rates kick off at 3.54%.
The cost of living estimates displayed for La Crosse 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 index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $100,668 | $8,389 | $2,349 | $3,020 |
| Renters | $49,068 | $4,089 | $1,145 | $1,472 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Wisconsin | 5% | 6.75% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Wisconsin | 3.54% | 7.65% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Caledonia, MN | 2,816 | 88 | 11.7% |
| Brownsville, MN | 714 | 89 | 11.0% |
| Chaseburg, WI | 347 | 91 | 9.0% |
| Hokah, MN | 613 | 91 | 8.9% |
| Coon Valley, WI | 961 | 92 | 7.6% |
| La Crosse, WI | 53,074 | 95 | 5.4% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | 53,047 | 112 | 11.5% |
| Logan, UT | 53,108 | 104 | 3.9% |
| Wheaton, MD | 53,031 | 137 | 37.0% |
| Burien, WA | 53,010 | 139 | 38.9% |
| Grand Island, NE | 53,008 | 91 | 8.5% |
| La Crosse, WI | 53,074 | 95 | 5.4% |
Here are the best places to live in Wisconsin
Safest States In The US
These are the largest cities in Wisconsin
See the best places to live in La Crosse