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 Monroe Wisconsin National
Cost of living9196100
Groceries9799100
Health care9998100
Housing7589100
Transportation9698100
Utilities104101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9898100
Household Items9899100
Education & Childcare9498100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Monroe, WI

Understanding the cost of living in Monroe 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 Monroe 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 Monroe is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

Is Monroe Affordable?

Is Monroe 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 Monroe is 26.3% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 22.9% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Monroe has a median household income of $76,347, which is 6.1% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Monroe?

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Monroe, the healthcare costs are 1% lower 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.

Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Monroe comes in at 3.8% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Monroe cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Monroe is 5% lower than the Wisconsin average
  • The cost of living in Monroe is 9% lower than the national average
  • Monroe 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 Monroe

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Compare Monroe, 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$99,658$8,305$2,325$2,990
      Renters$44,152$3,679$1,030$1,325
      The affordability of the housing market in Monroe, WI as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Monroe homeowners, the median income is $99,658. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,325 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $44,152. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,030 for their rent related monthly costs.

      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.
      Woodford, WI477821.9%
      South Wayne, WI3878217.5%
      Browntown, WI2668316.6%
      Winslow, IL3328416.2%
      Dakota, IL7418415.6%
      Monroe, WI10,883919.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Vidor, TX10,8828515.2%
      Marinette, WI10,8828515.4%
      Gardere, LA10,8791011.5%
      Gunbarrel, CO10,88815656.5%
      Avon Park, FL10,8778911.3%
      Monroe, WI10,883919.1%
      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.