| Index | Superior | Wisconsin | National |
| Cost of living | 92 | 96 | 100 |
| Groceries | 100 | 99 | 100 |
| Health care | 99 | 98 | 100 |
| Housing | 72 | 89 | 100 |
| Transportation | 104 | 98 | 100 |
| Utilities | 107 | 101 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 97 | 98 | 100 |
| Household Items | 100 | 99 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 98 | 98 | 100 |

Understanding the cost of living in Superior 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 Superior cost of living index is 92, which is 8% 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 Superior are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Superior can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.
Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 5 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Superior and this is how they responded. 20% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 80% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.
Is Superior 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 Superior, the median home price is 31.3% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 19% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Superior boasting a median household income of $73,420, 9.7% lower than the national average.
Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Superior, healthcare costs are 0.6% lower than the national average.
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 Superior, the transportation index stands at 3.5% higher than the national average.
Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Superior, the housing index is 27.7% lower than the national average.
The Superior 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 | $108,222 | $9,019 | $2,525 | $3,247 |
| Renters | $44,883 | $3,740 | $1,047 | $1,347 |
| 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. |
| Proctor, MN | 3,119 | 94 | 5.6% |
| Carlton, MN | 1,039 | 95 | 5.1% |
| Oliver, WI | 288 | 95 | 5.0% |
| Duluth, MN | 87,821 | 98 | 2.1% |
| Wrenshall, MN | 476 | 98 | 1.8% |
| Superior, WI | 26,920 | 92 | 7.8% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, QC | 26,923 | n/a | |
| Belmont, MA | 26,925 | 204 | 104.1% |
| Galt, CA | 26,926 | 133 | 32.8% |
| Fremont, NE | 26,939 | 93 | 7.0% |
| Cloverleaf, TX | 26,890 | 92 | 8.3% |
| Superior, WI | 26,920 | 92 | 7.8% |