Cost of Living in Fond du Lac, WI
Population 44,491 · Wisconsin · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Fond du Lac lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $161,000 — 47% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Wisconsin.
Located 55 miles northwest of Milwaukee, Fond du Lac is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Housing prices track closely with Milwaukee's $172,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fond du Lac
The median home value in Fond du Lac is $161,300 — 47% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $905/month, 31% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $61,620/year is 17% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.4%, 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 56.0°F and lows of 37.1°F. Overall, Fond du Lac has a cost of living index of 59 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 41% 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 | 27 | 30 | 42 | 56 | 68 | 78 | 82 | 80 | 73 | 59 | 45 | 32 |
| Low °F | 11 | 14 | 24 | 35 | 47 | 57 | 61 | 59 | 51 | 40 | 29 | 18 |
| Precip" | 0.73 | 0.69 | 1.72 | 2.79 | 3.31 | 4.14 | 3.40 | 3.45 | 2.86 | 2.54 | 1.84 | 0.92 |
💨 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 Fond du Lac, WI?
Fond du Lac has a cost index of 59 (100 = national average). It is 41% below the national average.
What is average rent in Fond du Lac, WI?
The median gross rent in Fond du Lac is $905 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fond du Lac?
The median home value in Fond du Lac is $161,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Fond du Lac?
The median household income in Fond du Lac is $61,620 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fond du Lac, WI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fond du Lac is 5.4%. The Wisconsin state income tax top rate is 7.7%.
Is Fond du Lac, WI affordable?
Yes, Fond du Lac is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 59 — about 41% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Fond du Lac?
Fond du Lac has average high temperatures of 56.0°F and average lows of 37.1°F. Annual precipitation is 28.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Fond du Lac at a Glance
- Population
- 44,491
- Median Income
- $61,620
- Home Value
- $161,300
- Median Rent
- $905/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.4%
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Wisconsin Rankings
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