Cost of Living in Mauston, WI

Population 4,280 · 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

Mauston sits on the smaller end of the Wisconsin city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. Around 22% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.

Mauston is about 60 miles northwest of Madison, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 61% lower than Madison's $347,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 44
Rent 63

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

About the Cost of Living in Mauston

The median home value in Mauston is $135,600 — 56% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $830/month, 37% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $60,174/year is 19% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.9%, 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 55.0°F and lows of 35.5°F. Overall, Mauston has a cost of living index of 52 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 48% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$135,600
56% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$493,517
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$830/mo
37% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.6x
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 55.0%
Renter-occupied 45.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$830
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,444/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
24.8 min
8% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
2.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
79.9%
Carpooled
4.7%
Walked
11.5%
Work from home
2.3%

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
$60,174
19% below avg
Per Capita Income
$29,264
Unemployment Rate
1.9%
61% below avg
Poverty Rate
21.7%
Labor Force Participation
56.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 11.7%
Graduate degree 6.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 44.8
Male median age 45.7
Female median age 44.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
55.0°F
Avg Low
35.5°F
Annual Precip
34.5"
23° 45° 68° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 253042566977817971584330
Low °F 81123354757605849382615
Precip" 1.301.312.063.414.024.433.914.463.392.671.851.65

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

97%
4-Year Graduation Rate
14:1
Student-teacher ratio
7
Public schools
1,468
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Mauston, WI?

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

What is average rent in Mauston, WI?

The median gross rent in Mauston is $830 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Mauston?

The median home value in Mauston is $135,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Mauston?

The median household income in Mauston is $60,174 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Mauston, WI?

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

Is Mauston, WI affordable?

Yes, Mauston 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 Mauston?

Mauston has average high temperatures of 55.0°F and average lows of 35.5°F. Annual precipitation is 34.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Mauston at a Glance

Population
4,280
Median Income
$60,174
Home Value
$135,600
Median Rent
$830/mo
Unemployment
1.9%
Avg High Temp
55.0°F
Sales Tax
5.4%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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