A
3%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
15%
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 Stoughton Wisconsin National
Cost of living10396100
Groceries9799100
Health care9998100
Housing11589100
Transportation9698100
Utilities104101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9898100
Household Items9899100
Education & Childcare9498100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Cost of Living in Stoughton, WI

The cost of living in Stoughton 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 Stoughton is 103, which is 3% higher 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 Stoughton aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, household expenses, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Stoughton residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.

Is Stoughton Affordable?

Is Stoughton 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 Stoughton is 21.7% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 1% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Stoughton has a median household income of $96,663, which is 18.8% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Stoughton?

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety 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 farm subsidies. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Stoughton, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 5%, and income tax rates start at 3.54%.

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Stoughton 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 Stoughton is 8% higher than the Wisconsin average
  • The cost of living in Stoughton is 3% higher than the national average
  • Stoughton housing is 15% 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 Stoughton

See all the best places to live around Stoughton

Compare Stoughton, WI Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Stoughton?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Stoughton?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Stoughton poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      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$121,307$10,109$2,830$3,640
      Renters$61,309$5,109$1,430$1,839
      The affordability of the housing market in Stoughton, WI as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Stoughton homeowners, the median income is $121,307. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,830 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $61,309. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,430 for their rent related monthly costs.

      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.
      Albany, WI1,108919.1%
      Milton, WI5,765954.9%
      Edgerton, WI5,773954.8%
      Rockdale, WI216981.9%
      Evansville, WI5,489991.3%
      Stoughton, WI13,4111032.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Azle, TX13,4121021.9%
      North Palm Beach, FL13,40912828.0%
      Henderson, TX13,408937.5%
      Annapolis Neck, MD13,40617070.4%
      Las Vegas, NM13,4068712.9%
      Stoughton, WI13,4111032.9%
      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.