Cost of Living in Onalaska, WI
Population 18,909 · Wisconsin · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Onalaska a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $279,000.
Geographically, Onalaska is about 65 miles east of Rochester, the nearest large metro. Housing prices track closely with Rochester's $288,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Onalaska
The median home value in Onalaska is $279,100 — 8% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,096/month, 17% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $84,898/year is 14% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.3%, 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, Onalaska has a cost of living index of 88 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 12% 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 Onalaska, WI?
Onalaska has a cost index of 88 (100 = national average). It is 12% below the national average.
What is average rent in Onalaska, WI?
The median gross rent in Onalaska is $1,096 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Onalaska?
The median home value in Onalaska is $279,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Onalaska?
The median household income in Onalaska is $84,898 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Onalaska, WI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Onalaska is 5.4%. The Wisconsin state income tax top rate is 7.7%.
Is Onalaska, WI affordable?
Yes, Onalaska is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 88 — about 12% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Onalaska?
Onalaska 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.
Onalaska at a Glance
- Population
- 18,909
- Median Income
- $84,898
- Home Value
- $279,100
- Median Rent
- $1,096/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 58.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.4%
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