A+
9%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
28%
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 Waupun Wisconsin National
Cost of living9196100
Groceries9899100
Health care9998100
Housing7289100
Transportation10198100
Utilities99101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9798100
Household Items9999100
Education & Childcare9698100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Waupun, WI

Understanding the cost of living in Waupun 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 Waupun cost of living index is 91, which is 9% 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.

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

Is Waupun Affordable?

Is Waupun 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 Waupun, the median home price is 29% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 25% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Waupun boasting a median household income of $81,495, 0.2% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Waupun?

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from 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 crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Waupun, healthcare costs are 1.4% lower than the national average.

Housing: When everyone's vying for homes in popular areas, it drives up property prices and rents, making the overall cost of living surge. On the flip side, in less sought-after locales, where housing demand is low, prices tend to dip, resulting in a more economical cost of living. In Waupun, the housing index comes in at 27.8% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Waupun 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 Waupun is 5% lower than the Wisconsin average
  • The cost of living in Waupun is 9% lower than the national average
  • Waupun housing is 28% 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 Waupun

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Compare Waupun, WI Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$94,747$7,896$2,211$2,843
      Renters$57,818$4,818$1,349$1,735
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Waupun, WI, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Waupun have a median income of $94,747. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,211 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $57,818, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,349.

      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.
      Randolph, WI1,6788812.3%
      Markesan, WI1,3468811.8%
      Burnett, WI3368911.3%
      Fairwater, WI3398910.8%
      Ripon, WI8,110909.9%
      Waupun, WI11,501919.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Forestville, MD11,49611818.0%
      Webster, TX11,5071044.1%
      Lighthouse Point, FL11,49314645.9%
      Selma, TX11,4841076.8%
      Robstown, TX11,4838515.2%
      Waupun, WI11,501919.3%
      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.