Cost of Living in Manitowoc, WI

Population 34,553 · Wisconsin · Data vintage 2023

52
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

The Manitowoc cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $144,000, rents near $787 a month. An unemployment rate of 2.7% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Located 35 miles southeast of Green Bay, Manitowoc falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 25% lower than Green Bay's $192,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 47
Rent 60

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

About the Cost of Living in Manitowoc

The median home value in Manitowoc is $143,900 — 53% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $787/month, 40% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $62,133/year is 17% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.7%, 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 54.6°F and lows of 35.9°F. Overall, Manitowoc has a cost of living index of 52 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 48% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$143,900
53% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$232,459
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$787/mo
40% below avg
Zillow Rent
$942/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
15.2x
Favors buying
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 65.6%
Renter-occupied 34.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$787
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,401/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
18.8 min
30% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
6.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
80.7%
Carpooled
7.3%
Public transit
0.9%
Walked
4.3%
Bicycle
0.4%
Work from home
6.1%

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
$62,133
17% below avg
Per Capita Income
$35,671
Unemployment Rate
2.7%
44% below avg
Poverty Rate
13.8%
Labor Force Participation
59.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 16.6%
Graduate degree 7.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 43.1
Male median age 41.5
Female median age 44.6

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
54.6°F
Avg Low
35.9°F
Annual Precip
29.4"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 273041536575807871584433
Low °F 121424344454585750392818
Precip" 1.100.961.653.303.353.773.423.062.702.761.961.38

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 40 — Good
79%
Good air days/yr
177
Max AQI recorded
0
PM2.5 days
205
Ozone days

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

85%
4-Year Graduation Rate
14:1
Student-teacher ratio
11
Public schools
4,987
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Manitowoc, WI?

Manitowoc has a cost index of 52 (100 = national average). It is 48% below the national average.

What is average rent in Manitowoc, WI?

The median gross rent in Manitowoc is $787 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Manitowoc?

The median home value in Manitowoc is $143,900 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Manitowoc?

The median household income in Manitowoc is $62,133 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Manitowoc, WI?

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

Is Manitowoc, WI affordable?

Yes, Manitowoc is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 52 — about 48% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Manitowoc?

Manitowoc has average high temperatures of 54.6°F and average lows of 35.9°F. Annual precipitation is 29.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Manitowoc at a Glance

Population
34,553
Median Income
$62,133
Home Value
$143,900
Median Rent
$787/mo
Unemployment
2.7%
Avg High Temp
54.6°F
Sales Tax
5.4%
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