| Index | Sparta | Wisconsin | National |
| Cost of living | 92 | 96 | 100 |
| Groceries | 100 | 99 | 100 |
| Health care | 99 | 98 | 100 |
| Housing | 76 | 89 | 100 |
| Transportation | 95 | 98 | 100 |
| Utilities | 104 | 101 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 101 | 98 | 100 |
| Household Items | 100 | 99 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 96 | 98 | 100 |
Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Sparta? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Sparta stands at 92, making it 8% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.
The cost of living in Sparta 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.
Wondering if Sparta 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 Sparta, for example, the median home price is 27.4% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 15.7% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Sparta boasting a median household income of $76,568, which is 5.9% lower than the national average.
Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Sparta, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 5%, and income tax rates kick off at 3.54%.
Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In Sparta, the transportation index is 4.7% 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 Sparta 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.
| 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 | $98,855 | $8,238 | $2,306 | $2,966 |
| Renters | $52,512 | $4,376 | $1,225 | $1,576 |
| 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. |
| Norwalk, WI | 740 | 85 | 15.2% |
| Ontario, WI | 496 | 86 | 13.9% |
| Melvina, WI | 83 | 87 | 12.9% |
| Cashton, WI | 986 | 89 | 10.8% |
| Cataract, WI | 172 | 90 | 9.7% |
| Sparta, WI | 10,129 | 92 | 7.6% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Victoria, MN | 10,127 | 134 | 34.3% |
| Mount Vista, WA | 10,122 | 136 | 36.3% |
| Bull Mountain, OR | 10,120 | 144 | 43.9% |
| Woodlyn, PA | 10,120 | 99 | 0.9% |
| Saint-Hippolyte, QC | 10,115 | n/a | |
| Sparta, WI | 10,129 | 92 | 7.6% |
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