D
20%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
70%
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 Middleton Wisconsin National
Cost of living12096100
Groceries9999100
Health care9798100
Housing17089100
Transportation9698100
Utilities105101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment10098100
Household Items9699100
Education & Childcare10398100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Cost of Living in Middleton, WI

Knowing the cost of living in Middleton allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Middleton stands at 120, marking it 20% higher than the national average.

If you're in pursuit of an economical living environment, Middleton may not fit the bill, as it ranks among the most expensive places to reside in the United States. Just a minority of regions exhibit a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and, unfortunately, Middleton falls within this bracket.

When it comes to the cost of living in Middleton, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 70% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Middleton Affordable?

Is Middleton 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 Middleton, the median home price is 93.9% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 14.1% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in Middleton come in at $109,193, which is 34.3% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Middleton?

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from 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 crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Middleton, the transportation index is 3.7% 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 Middleton, the groceries index is 0.7% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Middleton cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Middleton is 26% higher than the Wisconsin average
  • The cost of living in Middleton is 20% higher than the national average
  • Middleton housing is 70% higher 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 Middleton

See all the best places to live around Middleton

Compare Middleton, WI Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Middleton?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Middleton?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Middleton poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$171,834$14,320$4,009$5,156
      Renters$75,508$6,292$1,762$2,265
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Middleton, WI, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Middleton, homeowners have a median income of $171,834. Using that number, a maximum of $4,009 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $75,508, which means there is a maximum of $1,762 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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.
      Black Earth, WI1,426991.4%
      Mazomanie, WI1,7541000.4%
      Sauk City, WI3,5571021.5%
      Stoughton, WI13,4111032.9%
      Lodi, WI3,1801055.0%
      Middleton, WI20,51212020.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Glassboro, NJ20,50911515.1%
      Rosedale, MD20,52511211.7%
      Parma Heights, OH20,5278911.2%
      South Frontenac, ON20,491n/a 
      East Northport, NY20,49014949.2%
      Middleton, WI20,51212020.5%
      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.