| Index | Portage | Wisconsin | National |
| Cost of living | 94 | 96 | 100 |
| Groceries | 99 | 99 | 100 |
| Health care | 99 | 98 | 100 |
| Housing | 82 | 89 | 100 |
| Transportation | 97 | 98 | 100 |
| Utilities | 101 | 101 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 101 | 98 | 100 |
| Household Items | 100 | 99 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 94 | 98 | 100 |
Understanding the cost of living in Portage 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 Portage cost of living index is 94, which is 6% lower 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.
Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Portage are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Portage can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.
Wondering if Portage 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 Portage, for example, the median home price is 19.6% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 15% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Portage boasting a median household income of $77,679, which is 4.5% lower than the national average.
Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Portage, the utilities index stands at 1.3% higher 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 Portage, the housing index is 18.2% lower than the national average.
Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Portage, the transportation index is 3.5% lower than the national average.
The Portage cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $106,321 | $8,860 | $2,481 | $3,190 |
| Renters | $50,394 | $4,200 | $1,176 | $1,512 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Wisconsin | 5% | 6.75% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Wisconsin | 3.54% | 7.65% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Packwaukee, WI | 198 | 87 | 13.4% |
| Endeavor, WI | 575 | 88 | 11.6% |
| Dalton, WI | 209 | 90 | 9.8% |
| Rio, WI | 1,070 | 91 | 9.4% |
| Pardeeville, WI | 2,114 | 94 | 6.5% |
| Portage, WI | 10,657 | 94 | 6.4% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Barrington, IL | 10,656 | 138 | 37.8% |
| Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO | 10,655 | 84 | 16.2% |
| Gig Harbor, WA | 10,659 | 150 | 49.6% |
| Grey Highlands, ON | 10,659 | n/a | |
| Miami Shores, FL | 10,653 | 148 | 48.2% |
| Portage, WI | 10,657 | 94 | 6.4% |
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