B+
6%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
26%
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 Oak Creek Wisconsin National
Cost of living10696100
Groceries9999100
Health care9798100
Housing12689100
Transportation10098100
Utilities99101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9898100
Household Items9699100
Education & Childcare9398100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Oak Creek, WI

Understanding the cost of living in Oak Creek 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 Oak Creek cost of living index is 106, which is 6% 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.

In Oak Creek, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Oak Creek will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Housing costs significantly influence the Oak Creek 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 26%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

Is Oak Creek Affordable?

Is Oak Creek 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 Oak Creek, the median home price is 29.5% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 17.7% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Oak Creek boasting a median household income of $113,294, 39.3% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Oak Creek?

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 Oak Creek, the utilities index registers 0.9% 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.

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Oak Creek, healthcare costs are 3% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Oak Creek 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 Oak Creek is 11% higher than the Wisconsin average
  • The cost of living in Oak Creek is 6% higher than the national average
  • Oak Creek housing is 26% 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 Oak Creek

See all the best places to live around Oak Creek

Compare Oak Creek, 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$137,790$11,483$3,215$4,134
      Renters$84,482$7,040$1,971$2,535
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Oak Creek, 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 Oak Creek, homeowners have a median income of $137,790. Using that number, a maximum of $3,215 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $84,482, which means there is a maximum of $1,971 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.
      Racine, WI79,849909.7%
      Milwaukee, WI605,531937.2%
      West Milwaukee, WI4,258928.3%
      St. Francis, WI9,923954.9%
      West Allis, WI61,432936.8%
      Oak Creek, WI37,1241066.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Wildomar, CA37,11814040.3%
      Richfield, MN37,1491077.4%
      Côte-Saint-Luc, QC37,097n/a 
      Richmond, KY37,087918.6%
      Elmont, NY37,08114141.5%
      Oak Creek, WI37,1241066.1%
      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.