A+
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
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 Menomonie Wisconsin National
Cost of living9596100
Groceries9999100
Health care9898100
Housing8589100
Transportation10198100
Utilities102101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment10098100
Household Items9699100
Education & Childcare10298100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Menomonie, WI

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Menomonie? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Menomonie 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 Menomonie 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 Menomonie 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 Menomonie Affordable?

Is Menomonie affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Menomonie, for instance, where the median home price falls 14.5% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 16.4% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Menomonie flaunting a median household income of $65,359, 19.6% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Menomonie?

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.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenses and insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on the specific city or state. Factors such as accessibility to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's visits, dental care expenses, prescription costs and specialized medical care fees can all influence the overall cost of living. In Menomonie, healthcare costs are 2% 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 Menomonie, the utilities index registers at 2.2% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Menomonie 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 Menomonie is equal to the Wisconsin average
  • The cost of living in Menomonie is 5% lower than the national average
  • Menomonie 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 Menomonie

See all the best places to live around Menomonie

Compare Menomonie, 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$112,672$9,389$2,629$3,380
      Renters$45,070$3,756$1,052$1,352
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Menomonie 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. Menomonie has a median income of about $112,672 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,629 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $45,070. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,052 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.
      Knapp, WI6588910.7%
      Wheeler, WI3139010.3%
      Colfax, WI1,2259010.2%
      Elk Mound, WI1,174919.5%
      Elmwood, WI627919.4%
      Menomonie, WI16,888954.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Dyersburg, TN16,8879010.4%
      Hillcrest Heights, MD16,89011313.3%
      Beaver Dam, WI16,884937.3%
      Parkway, CA16,88212120.6%
      Washington, IL16,8941000.0%
      Menomonie, WI16,888954.7%
      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.