D+
17%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
53%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Muskego Wisconsin National
Cost of living11796100
Goods & Services9997100
Groceries10399100
Health care111112100
Housing15388100
Transportation9998100
Utilities105102100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Muskego, WI

Understanding the cost of living in Muskego 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 Muskego cost of living index is 117, which is 17% higher 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.

When it comes to the cost of living in Muskego, 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 53.3% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Muskego Affordable?

Is Muskego affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Muskego, the median home price is 64.8% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 26.6% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Muskego boasting a median household income of $95,472, 72.6% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Muskego?

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Muskego, the transportation index stands at 1.1% lower than the national average.

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 5.1% higher than the national average.

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 53.3% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Muskego, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Muskego is 22% higher than the Wisconsin average
  • The cost of living in Muskego is 17% higher than the national average
  • Muskego housing is 53% higher than the national average
  • Wisconsin general sales tax is 2% lower than the national average
  • Wisconsin state income tax is 57% 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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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$106,424$8,869$2,483$3,193
      Renters$47,989$3,999$1,120$1,440
      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 $106,424 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,483 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $47,989, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,120 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%

      Goods & Services

      Item Muskego National avg. Difference
      Haircut $20.21$24.2616.7%
      Beauty Salon $33.25$45.5627.0%
      Toothpaste $3.66$3.701.1%
      Shampoo $1.07$1.2816.6%
      Movie $10.26$12.1315.5%
      Bowling $10.03$18.0044.3%

      Groceries

      Item Muskego National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $6.05$5.843.5%
      Fried Chicken $1.46$1.577.3%
      Milk $4.55$4.672.7%
      Potatoes $4.10$4.9317.0%
      Pizza $11.33$12.096.3%
      Beer $8.52$10.4118.2%

      Health Care

      Item Muskego National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $278.65$125.68121.7%
      Doctor $223.73$135.7864.8%
      Dentist $106.79$113.295.7%
      Ibuprofen $10.29$10.653.4%
      Lipitor $469.65$468.600.2%

      Housing

      Item Muskego National avg. Difference
      Home Price $304,400.00$184,700.0064.8%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,879.64$2,346.6919.9%
      Apartment Rent $1,201.00$949.0026.6%

      Transportation

      Item Muskego National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.30$3.464.5%
      Tire Balancing $44.14$59.9226.3%

      Utilities

      Item Muskego National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $182.69$193.995.8%
      Phone $185.79$192.253.4%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Milwaukee, WI592,649936.5%
      West Milwaukee, WI4,128945.7%
      West Allis, WI59,861964.4%
      St. Francis, WI9,600964.1%
      Cudahy, WI18,211973.4%
      Muskego, WI25,07711716.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Edgewood, MD25,0651054.8%
      Ridgewood, NJ25,11017978.6%
      Palm City, FL25,03812929.3%
      Balch Springs, TX25,123963.7%
      South Salt Lake, UT25,1251109.6%
      Muskego, WI25,07711716.7%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.