Cost of Living in La Crosse, WI
Population 51,791 · Wisconsin · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of La Crosse's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $53,803 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. A poverty rate near 22% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Located 65 miles east of Rochester, La Crosse is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 32% lower than Rochester's $288,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in La Crosse
The median home value in La Crosse is $196,600 — 36% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $977/month, 26% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $53,803/year is 28% 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 58.6°F and lows of 39.1°F, with about 46.3" of annual snowfall. Overall, La Crosse 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 | 27 | 33 | 46 | 60 | 72 | 82 | 85 | 83 | 76 | 62 | 46 | 33 |
| Low °F | 11 | 14 | 26 | 38 | 50 | 60 | 65 | 62 | 54 | 42 | 30 | 18 |
| Precip" | 1.25 | 1.19 | 2.04 | 3.75 | 4.33 | 5.08 | 4.23 | 3.90 | 3.63 | 2.49 | 1.85 | 1.49 |
| Snow" | 11.8 | 9.7 | 7.3 | 2.9 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 3.4 | 10.9 |
💨 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 La Crosse, WI?
La Crosse has a cost index of 68 (100 = national average). It is 32% below the national average.
What is average rent in La Crosse, WI?
The median gross rent in La Crosse is $977 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in La Crosse?
The median home value in La Crosse is $196,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in La Crosse?
The median household income in La Crosse is $53,803 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in La Crosse, WI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in La Crosse is 5.4%. The Wisconsin state income tax top rate is 7.7%.
Is La Crosse, WI affordable?
Yes, La Crosse 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 La Crosse?
La Crosse has average high temperatures of 58.6°F and average lows of 39.1°F. Annual precipitation is 35.2". Average annual snowfall is 46.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
La Crosse at a Glance
- Population
- 51,791
- Median Income
- $53,803
- Home Value
- $196,600
- Median Rent
- $977/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 58.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.4%
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Wisconsin Rankings
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