Cost of Living in Fitchburg, WI

Population 31,566 · Wisconsin · Data vintage 2023

116
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Most of Fitchburg's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $85,420 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.9% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Geographically, Fitchburg sits roughly 7 miles south of Madison. Median home values run roughly 12% higher than Madison's $347,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 128
Rent 99

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

About the Cost of Living in Fitchburg

The median home value in Fitchburg is $389,400 — 28% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,302/month, 1% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $85,420/year is 15% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.9%, 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 56.5°F and lows of 37.6°F, with about 51.8" of annual snowfall. Overall, Fitchburg has a cost of living index of 116 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 16% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$389,400
28% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$493,445
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,302/mo
1% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,779/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
24.9x
Favors renting
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 45.9%
Renter-occupied 54.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,302
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,916/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
21.5 min
20% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
13.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
72.0%
Carpooled
7.1%
Public transit
0.4%
Walked
4.2%
Bicycle
0.6%
Work from home
13.7%

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
$85,420
15% above avg
Per Capita Income
$55,926
Unemployment Rate
1.9%
60% below avg
Poverty Rate
7.5%
Labor Force Participation
72.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 32.8%
Graduate degree 24.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 34.7
Male median age 33.4
Female median age 35.3

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
56.5°F
Avg Low
37.6°F
Annual Precip
37.1"
Annual Snowfall
51.8"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 273144576979828073604532
Low °F 121525364757626051402918
Precip" 1.471.522.263.784.105.284.514.163.432.772.221.63
Snow" 13.712.87.02.60.10.00.00.00.00.63.012.0

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 50 — Good
50.4%
Good air days/yr
268
Max AQI recorded
260
PM2.5 days
105
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Fitchburg, WI?

Fitchburg has a cost index of 116 (100 = national average). It is 16% above the national average.

What is average rent in Fitchburg, WI?

The median gross rent in Fitchburg is $1,302 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Fitchburg?

The median home value in Fitchburg is $389,400 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Fitchburg?

The median household income in Fitchburg is $85,420 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Fitchburg, WI?

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

Is Fitchburg, WI affordable?

Fitchburg is above average in cost of living, with an index of 116 — about 16% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Fitchburg?

Fitchburg has average high temperatures of 56.5°F and average lows of 37.6°F. Annual precipitation is 37.1". Average annual snowfall is 51.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Fitchburg at a Glance

Population
31,566
Median Income
$85,420
Home Value
$389,400
Median Rent
$1,302/mo
Unemployment
1.9%
Avg High Temp
56.5°F
Sales Tax
5.4%
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