Cost of Living in Berlin, WI

Population 5,523 · Wisconsin · Data vintage 2023

53
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Berlin is a smaller Wisconsin community of around 6000 residents, where median household incomes of $55,216 and housing costs ($144,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.

Geographically, Berlin is about 60 miles southwest of Green Bay, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 25% lower than Green Bay's $192,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 47
Rent 62

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Berlin

The median home value in Berlin is $143,800 — 53% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $814/month, 38% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $55,216/year is 26% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.5%, 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 55.3°F and lows of 37.3°F. Overall, Berlin has a cost of living index of 53 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 47% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$143,800
53% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$990,009
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$814/mo
38% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
14.7x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$712
1 BR
$781
2 BR
$997
3 BR
$1,290
4 BR
$1,448
Owner-occupied 58.6%
Renter-occupied 41.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$814
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,428/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
22.2 min
18% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
4.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
80.4%
Carpooled
7.8%
Public transit
1.3%
Walked
5.3%
Work from home
4.6%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 7.7%
Total Sales Tax 5.4%
State rate 5.0%
Avg local rate 0.4%
Property Tax 1.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$55,216
26% below avg
Per Capita Income
$27,488
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
27% below avg
Poverty Rate
17.6%
Labor Force Participation
56.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 11.3%
Graduate degree 4.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.6
Male median age 39.5
Female median age 42.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
55.3°F
Avg Low
37.3°F
Annual Precip
30.6"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 263042556777817972594432
Low °F 111424364757616051402918
Precip" 1.110.831.742.893.604.653.693.203.002.761.821.27

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

92%
4-Year Graduation Rate
13.6:1
Student-teacher ratio
3
Public schools
1,567
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Berlin, WI?

Berlin has a cost index of 53 (100 = national average). It is 47% below the national average.

What is average rent in Berlin, WI?

The median gross rent in Berlin is $814 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Berlin?

The median home value in Berlin is $143,800 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Berlin?

The median household income in Berlin is $55,216 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Berlin, WI?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Berlin is 5.4%. The Wisconsin state income tax top rate is 7.7%.

Is Berlin, WI affordable?

Yes, Berlin is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 53 — about 47% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Berlin?

Berlin has average high temperatures of 55.3°F and average lows of 37.3°F. Annual precipitation is 30.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Berlin at a Glance

Population
5,523
Median Income
$55,216
Home Value
$143,800
Median Rent
$814/mo
Unemployment
3.5%
Avg High Temp
55.3°F
Sales Tax
5.4%
View all cities in Wisconsin →
🗺️ County data for Wisconsin

Explore county-level cost of living data

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