Cost of Living in Middleton, WI
Population 22,235 · Wisconsin · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Middleton 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. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.9% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Middleton is part of the immediate Madison metro area — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 32% higher than Madison's $347,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Middleton
The median home value in Middleton is $457,400 — 50% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,357/month, 3% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $85,526/year is 15% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.9%, 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 56.5°F and lows of 37.6°F, with about 51.8" of annual snowfall. Overall, Middleton has a cost of living index of 131 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 31% more 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 | 31 | 44 | 57 | 69 | 79 | 82 | 80 | 73 | 60 | 45 | 32 |
| Low °F | 12 | 15 | 25 | 36 | 47 | 57 | 62 | 60 | 51 | 40 | 29 | 18 |
| Precip" | 1.47 | 1.52 | 2.26 | 3.78 | 4.10 | 5.28 | 4.51 | 4.16 | 3.43 | 2.77 | 2.22 | 1.63 |
| Snow" | 13.7 | 12.8 | 7.0 | 2.6 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.6 | 3.0 | 12.0 |
💨 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 Middleton, WI?
Middleton has a cost index of 131 (100 = national average). It is 31% above the national average.
What is average rent in Middleton, WI?
The median gross rent in Middleton is $1,357 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Middleton?
The median home value in Middleton is $457,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Middleton?
The median household income in Middleton is $85,526 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Middleton, WI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Middleton is 5.4%. The Wisconsin state income tax top rate is 7.7%.
Is Middleton, WI affordable?
Middleton is above average in cost of living, with an index of 131 — about 31% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Middleton?
Middleton has average high temperatures of 56.5°F and average lows of 37.6°F. Annual precipitation is 37.1". Average annual snowfall is 51.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Middleton at a Glance
- Population
- 22,235
- Median Income
- $85,526
- Home Value
- $457,400
- Median Rent
- $1,357/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.4%
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Wisconsin Rankings
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