Cost of Living in Baraboo, WI
Population 12,506 · Wisconsin · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing costs in Baraboo stay well under national norms: a median home value of $202,000 against median household incomes of $73,515 gives the city one of the more comfortable price-to-income ratios in Wisconsin.
Baraboo is about 30 miles northwest of Madison, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 42% lower than Madison's $347,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Baraboo
The median home value in Baraboo is $201,800 — 34% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $926/month, 30% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $73,515/year is 1% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.4%, below the national average of 4.8%. Wisconsin's top state income tax rate is 7.7% and the combined sales tax is 5.4%. The climate averages highs of 57.4°F and lows of 37.1°F. Overall, Baraboo has a cost of living index of 68 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 32% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 28 | 32 | 45 | 58 | 70 | 79 | 83 | 81 | 74 | 61 | 46 | 33 |
| Low °F | 10 | 14 | 26 | 36 | 48 | 58 | 61 | 59 | 51 | 39 | 28 | 17 |
| Precip" | 0.88 | 0.87 | 1.88 | 3.69 | 3.72 | 5.28 | 4.54 | 4.17 | 3.42 | 2.48 | 1.95 | 1.20 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Baraboo, WI?
Baraboo has a cost index of 68 (100 = national average). It is 32% below the national average.
What is average rent in Baraboo, WI?
The median gross rent in Baraboo is $926 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Baraboo?
The median home value in Baraboo is $201,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Baraboo?
The median household income in Baraboo is $73,515 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Baraboo, WI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Baraboo is 5.4%. The Wisconsin state income tax top rate is 7.7%.
Is Baraboo, WI affordable?
Yes, Baraboo is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 68 — about 32% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Baraboo?
Baraboo has average high temperatures of 57.4°F and average lows of 37.1°F. Annual precipitation is 34.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Baraboo at a Glance
- Population
- 12,506
- Median Income
- $73,515
- Home Value
- $201,800
- Median Rent
- $926/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 57.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.4%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Wisconsin Rankings
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