Cost of Living in Port Washington, WI
Population 12,569 · Wisconsin · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Port Washington a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $276,000. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.9% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 25 miles north of Milwaukee, Port Washington falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 60% higher than Milwaukee's $172,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Port Washington
The median home value in Port Washington is $276,000 — 10% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,021/month, 22% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $81,582/year is 9% higher 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 54.6°F and lows of 35.9°F. Overall, Port Washington has a cost of living index of 85 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 15% 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 | 30 | 41 | 53 | 65 | 75 | 80 | 78 | 71 | 58 | 44 | 33 |
| Low °F | 12 | 14 | 24 | 34 | 44 | 54 | 58 | 57 | 50 | 39 | 28 | 18 |
| Precip" | 1.10 | 0.96 | 1.65 | 3.30 | 3.35 | 3.77 | 3.42 | 3.06 | 2.70 | 2.76 | 1.96 | 1.38 |
💨 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 Port Washington, WI?
Port Washington has a cost index of 85 (100 = national average). It is 15% below the national average.
What is average rent in Port Washington, WI?
The median gross rent in Port Washington is $1,021 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Port Washington?
The median home value in Port Washington is $276,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Port Washington?
The median household income in Port Washington is $81,582 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Port Washington, WI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Port Washington is 5.4%. The Wisconsin state income tax top rate is 7.7%.
Is Port Washington, WI affordable?
Yes, Port Washington is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 85 — about 15% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Port Washington?
Port Washington 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.
Port Washington at a Glance
- Population
- 12,569
- Median Income
- $81,582
- Home Value
- $276,000
- Median Rent
- $1,021/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 54.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Wisconsin Rankings
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