Cost of Living in Lancaster, WI
Population 3,916 · Wisconsin · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Lancaster offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $173,000 — costs less than 2.1 times median household income of $80,625, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. An unemployment rate of 2.0% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Geographically, Lancaster is about 65 miles west of Madison, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 50% lower than Madison's $347,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lancaster
The median home value in Lancaster is $173,300 — 43% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $770/month, 41% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $80,625/year is 8% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.0%, 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 59.2°F and lows of 36.9°F. Overall, Lancaster has a cost of living index of 58 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 42% less expensive.
Lancaster has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 | 29 | 34 | 47 | 61 | 72 | 81 | 84 | 83 | 76 | 63 | 47 | 34 |
| Low °F | 10 | 14 | 25 | 36 | 47 | 57 | 61 | 59 | 51 | 38 | 28 | 17 |
| Precip" | 0.98 | 0.96 | 1.91 | 3.64 | 4.35 | 5.15 | 3.84 | 4.07 | 3.37 | 2.48 | 1.87 | 1.32 |
💨 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 Lancaster, WI?
Lancaster has a cost index of 58 (100 = national average). It is 42% below the national average.
What is average rent in Lancaster, WI?
The median gross rent in Lancaster is $770 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lancaster?
The median home value in Lancaster is $173,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lancaster?
The median household income in Lancaster is $80,625 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lancaster, WI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lancaster is 5.4%. The Wisconsin state income tax top rate is 7.7%.
Is Lancaster, WI affordable?
Yes, Lancaster is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 58 — about 42% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Lancaster?
Lancaster has average high temperatures of 59.2°F and average lows of 36.9°F. Annual precipitation is 33.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Lancaster at a Glance
- Population
- 3,916
- Median Income
- $80,625
- Home Value
- $173,300
- Median Rent
- $770/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Wisconsin Rankings
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