C
15%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
56%
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 Muskego Wisconsin National
Cost of living11596100
Groceries9999100
Health care9798100
Housing15689100
Transportation9898100
Utilities98101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9898100
Household Items10099100
Education & Childcare9598100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Muskego, WI

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Muskego is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Muskego is 115, which is 15% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Muskego cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 55.7% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Muskego Affordable?

Is Muskego 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 Muskego, for instance, where the median home price falls 68% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 27% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Muskego flaunting a median household income of $144,030, 77.1% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Muskego?

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 Muskego, the housing index comes in at 55.7% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety 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 farm subsidies. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.

Utilities: As with the prices of anything else, utility costs can exhibit significant variations, contingent on factors like climate, energy source availability, geographic location and state regulations. The expenses associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, either upward or downward, depending on the particular city or state. In Muskego, the utilities index registers 1.8% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Muskego 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 Muskego is 21% higher than the Wisconsin average
  • The cost of living in Muskego is 15% higher than the national average
  • Muskego housing is 56% 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 Muskego

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Compare Muskego, 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$158,024$13,169$3,687$4,741
      Renters$72,367$6,031$1,688$2,171
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Muskego, WI, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Muskego, the median monthly income is $158,024 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $3,687 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $72,367, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,688 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Milwaukee, WI605,531937.2%
      West Milwaukee, WI4,258928.3%
      St. Francis, WI9,923954.9%
      West Allis, WI61,432936.8%
      Cudahy, WI18,834945.6%
      Muskego, WI25,67211515.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Decatur, GA25,67714746.8%
      Ardmore, OK25,666909.7%
      Fountain Hills, AZ25,68613232.3%
      Tecumseh, ON25,689n/a 
      Burlington, IA25,6538811.8%
      Muskego, WI25,67211515.3%
      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.