C+
12%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
46%
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 New Berlin Wisconsin National
Cost of living11296100
Groceries9999100
Health care9798100
Housing14689100
Transportation9898100
Utilities98101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9898100
Household Items10099100
Education & Childcare9598100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in New Berlin, WI

Understanding the cost of living in New Berlin 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 New Berlin cost of living index is 112, which is 12% 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.

Housing costs significantly influence the New Berlin cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 46.2%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

Is New Berlin Affordable?

Wondering if New Berlin is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In New Berlin, for example, the median home price is 51.1% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 34.6% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with New Berlin boasting a median household income of $129,824, which is 59.6% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in New Berlin?

Urbanization: Larger, urban centers, known for their wealth of amenities and strong employment prospects, often exhibit an elevated cost of living, primarily attributable to the heightened demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this scenario leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural areas or regions characterized by diminished demand typically provide a more limited array of amenities and experience slower job market growth, resulting in a more affordable cost of living.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In New Berlin, healthcare costs are 2.9% lower than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In New Berlin, the groceries index is 1.4% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for New Berlin shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in New Berlin is 18% higher than the Wisconsin average
  • The cost of living in New Berlin is 12% higher than the national average
  • New Berlin housing is 46% 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 New Berlin

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Compare New Berlin, 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$144,062$12,005$3,361$4,322
      Renters$81,843$6,820$1,910$2,456
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in New Berlin, 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 New Berlin, homeowners have a median income of $144,062. Using that number, a maximum of $3,361 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $81,843, which means there is a maximum of $1,910 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.
      Milwaukee, WI605,531937.2%
      West Milwaukee, WI4,258928.3%
      Lannon, WI1,221946.0%
      St. Francis, WI9,923954.9%
      West Allis, WI61,432936.8%
      New Berlin, WI40,72411212.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Crystal Lake, IL40,7241087.9%
      Essex, MD40,7241087.7%
      Germantown, TN40,72512020.0%
      Sumter, SC40,739927.9%
      Plant City, FL40,7061033.3%
      New Berlin, WI40,72411212.4%
      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.