A+
7%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
18%
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 Stevens Point Wisconsin National
Cost of living9396100
Groceries9799100
Health care9998100
Housing8289100
Transportation10098100
Utilities99101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9798100
Household Items10099100
Education & Childcare9698100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Stevens Point, WI

Knowing the cost of living in Stevens Point allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Stevens Point stands at 93, marking it 7% lower than the national average.

In Stevens Point, 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 Stevens Point will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Stevens Point?

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 6 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Stevens Point. The feedback revealed that 50% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 50% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Stevens Point Affordable?

Is Stevens Point an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Stevens Point is 18.2% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 19% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Stevens Point has a median household income of $69,500, which is 14.5% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Stevens Point?

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Stevens Point, the healthcare costs are 0.8% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.

Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Stevens Point, the transportation index is 0.2% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Stevens Point 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 Stevens Point is 2% lower than the Wisconsin average
  • The cost of living in Stevens Point is 7% lower than the national average
  • Stevens Point housing is 18% lower 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 Stevens Point

See all the best places to live around Stevens Point

Compare Stevens Point, WI Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

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      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$105,232$8,769$2,455$3,157
      Renters$44,737$3,728$1,044$1,342
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Stevens Point, WI, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Stevens Point, the median monthly income is $105,232 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,455 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $44,737, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,044 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Wisconsin Rapids, WI18,2608613.5%
      Port Edwards, WI1,8788613.5%
      Rosholt, WI4968713.3%
      Junction City, WI4298713.3%
      Bancroft, WI5518811.9%
      Stevens Point, WI26,862936.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Plainview, NY26,86516564.6%
      Barberton, OH26,8448316.7%
      Chanhassen, MN26,83613029.7%
      Cloverleaf, TX26,890928.3%
      Superior, WI26,920927.8%
      Stevens Point, WI26,862936.7%
      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.