A+
8%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
22%
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 Neenah Wisconsin National
Cost of living9296100
Groceries9899100
Health care9698100
Housing7889100
Transportation9998100
Utilities102101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9798100
Household Items9999100
Education & Childcare10098100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Neenah, WI

Knowing the cost of living in Neenah 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 Neenah stands at 92, marking it 8% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Neenah 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.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Neenah?

Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 5 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Neenah and this is how they responded. 40% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 60% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.

Is Neenah Affordable?

Is Neenah 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 Neenah, for instance, where the median home price falls 22.1% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 20.4% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Neenah flaunting a median household income of $89,547, 10.1% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Neenah?

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 Neenah, the groceries index is 1.6% lower than the national average.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Neenah, the housing index is 21.6% lower than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Neenah, healthcare costs are 4.5% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Neenah cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Neenah is 3% lower than the Wisconsin average
  • The cost of living in Neenah is 8% lower than the national average
  • Neenah housing is 22% 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 Neenah

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Compare Neenah, 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$114,282$9,524$2,666$3,429
      Renters$51,272$4,273$1,196$1,538
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Neenah, WI, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Neenah homeowners, is $114,282. This would allow for a maximum of $2,666 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $51,272 which would result in a maximum of $1,196 to be spent on rental 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.
      Menasha, WI18,920918.6%
      Oshkosh, WI69,404927.9%
      Dale, WI752927.8%
      Waukau, WI241937.0%
      Omro, WI3,696936.9%
      Neenah, WI27,049927.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Sainte-Thérèse, QC27,055n/a 
      Canyon Lake, TX27,0351087.8%
      East St. Louis, IL27,0337722.5%
      Smithtown, NY27,02715454.4%
      Sun City West, AZ27,02511110.6%
      Neenah, WI27,049927.6%
      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.