B-
12%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
43%
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 Sussex Wisconsin National
Cost of living11296100
Groceries10199100
Health care9698100
Housing14389100
Transportation9598100
Utilities102101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9498100
Household Items9999100
Education & Childcare10098100
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 Sussex, WI

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Sussex is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Sussex is 112, which is 12% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

When it comes to the cost of living in Sussex, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 42.8% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Sussex Affordable?

Is Sussex 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 Sussex is 59.3% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 4.2% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Sussex has a median household income of $139,764, which is 71.8% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Sussex?

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 Sussex, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 5%, and income tax rates start at 3.54%.

Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Sussex, the groceries index is 0.5% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Sussex 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 Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Sussex is 17% higher than the Wisconsin average
  • The cost of living in Sussex is 12% higher than the national average
  • Sussex housing is 43% 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 Sussex

See all the best places to live around Sussex

Compare Sussex, WI Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Sussex?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Sussex?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Sussex 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$173,497$14,458$4,048$5,205
      Renters$85,190$7,099$1,988$2,556
      The affordability of the housing market in Sussex, 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 Sussex homeowners, the median income is $173,497. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $4,048 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $85,190. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,988 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.
      West Milwaukee, WI4,258928.3%
      Neosho, WI660945.9%
      Lannon, WI1,221946.0%
      West Allis, WI61,432936.8%
      Butler, WI2,034954.6%
      Sussex, WI11,20411211.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Malvern, AR11,2038316.9%
      Raymondville, TX11,2038118.6%
      Burlington, WI11,1991011.3%
      Oneida, NY11,198973.1%
      Damascus, OR11,21014443.8%
      Sussex, WI11,20411211.5%
      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.