| Index | Racine | Wisconsin | National |
| Cost of living | 90 | 96 | 100 |
| Groceries | 96 | 99 | 100 |
| Health care | 100 | 98 | 100 |
| Housing | 72 | 89 | 100 |
| Transportation | 97 | 98 | 100 |
| Utilities | 98 | 101 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 101 | 98 | 100 |
| Household Items | 98 | 99 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 100 | 98 | 100 |
The cost of living in Racine affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Racine is 90, which is 10% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.
The cost of living in Racine closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Racine can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.
Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 17 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Racine and this is how they responded. 24% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 76% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.
Is Racine 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 Racine, the median home price is 35.5% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 11.8% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Racine boasting a median household income of $64,789, 20.3% lower than the national average.
Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Racine, the standard sales tax rate starts at 5%, and the income tax rates commence at 3.54%.
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 Racine, the transportation index stands at 2.7% lower than the national average.
Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Racine are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.
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| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $89,736 | $7,478 | $2,094 | $2,692 |
| Renters | $45,016 | $3,751 | $1,050 | $1,351 |
| 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. |
| Kenosha, WI | 102,872 | 96 | 3.8% |
| South Milwaukee, WI | 21,661 | 96 | 3.9% |
| Sturtevant, WI | 6,749 | 98 | 2.0% |
| Union Grove, WI | 5,206 | 100 | 0.1% |
| Mount Pleasant, WI | 27,676 | 101 | 1.0% |
| Racine, WI | 79,849 | 90 | 9.7% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Scranton, PA | 79,887 | 90 | 10.3% |
| Saint-Jérôme, QC | 79,702 | n/a | |
| Kendall, FL | 79,660 | 131 | 30.7% |
| Jonesboro, AR | 79,653 | 92 | 7.8% |
| Waldorf, MD | 79,554 | 128 | 27.5% |
| Racine, WI | 79,849 | 90 | 9.7% |
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