Cost of Living in Janesville, WI
Population 65,813 · Wisconsin · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Janesville offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $210,000 — costs less than 2.9 times median household income of $71,664, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago.
Located 30 miles north of Rockford, Janesville falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 73% higher than Rockford's $121,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Janesville
The median home value in Janesville is $209,700 — 31% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,037/month, 21% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $71,664/year is 4% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.6%, 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%. Overall, Janesville has a cost of living index of 73 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 27% 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
💨 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 Janesville, WI?
Janesville has a cost index of 73 (100 = national average). It is 27% below the national average.
What is average rent in Janesville, WI?
The median gross rent in Janesville is $1,037 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Janesville?
The median home value in Janesville is $209,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Janesville?
The median household income in Janesville is $71,664 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Janesville, WI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Janesville is 5.4%. The Wisconsin state income tax top rate is 7.7%.
Is Janesville, WI affordable?
Yes, Janesville is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 73 — about 27% below the US national average of 100.
Janesville at a Glance
- Population
- 65,813
- Median Income
- $71,664
- Home Value
- $209,700
- Median Rent
- $1,037/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.6%
- Sales Tax
- 5.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Wisconsin Rankings
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