A+
9%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
25%
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 Marshfield Wisconsin National
Cost of living9196100
Groceries9799100
Health care9998100
Housing7589100
Transportation10098100
Utilities99101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9798100
Household Items10099100
Education & Childcare9698100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Marshfield, WI

Understanding the cost of living in Marshfield 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 Marshfield cost of living index is 91, which is 9% lower 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.

The cost of living in Marshfield aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, household expenses, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Marshfield residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.

Is Marshfield Affordable?

Is Marshfield 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 Marshfield, the median home price is 23.7% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 27.6% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Marshfield come in at $77,666, which is 4.5% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Marshfield?

Housing: When everyone's vying for homes in popular areas, it drives up property prices and rents, making the overall cost of living surge. On the flip side, in less sought-after locales, where housing demand is low, prices tend to dip, resulting in a more economical cost of living. In Marshfield, the housing index comes in at 24.8% 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 Marshfield, the utilities index registers at 0.6% lower than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Marshfield, the groceries index is 3.3% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Marshfield 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 Marshfield is 4% lower than the Wisconsin average
  • The cost of living in Marshfield is 9% lower than the national average
  • Marshfield housing is 25% 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 Marshfield

See all the best places to live around Marshfield

Compare Marshfield, 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$95,726$7,977$2,233$2,872
      Renters$51,338$4,278$1,198$1,540
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Marshfield is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Marshfield has a median income of about $95,726 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,233 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $51,338. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,198 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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.
      Arpin, WI3318416.3%
      Chili, WI2898514.8%
      Vesper, WI5328514.6%
      Unity, WI3648614.4%
      Granton, WI3588614.3%
      Marshfield, WI18,840918.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Cudahy, WI18,834945.6%
      Round Lake, IL18,8331066.3%
      San Carlos Park, FL18,85411111.0%
      Cameron Park, CA18,82214746.7%
      White Oak, OH18,862937.1%
      Marshfield, WI18,840918.6%
      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.