Cost of Living in Racine, WI
Population 77,155 · Wisconsin · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Racine cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $158,000, rents near $983 a month.
Geographically, Racine is about 25 miles southeast of Milwaukee, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 8% lower than Milwaukee's $172,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Racine
The median home value in Racine is $158,100 — 48% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $983/month, 25% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $55,705/year is 25% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.8%, above 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 56.7°F and lows of 40.1°F. Overall, Racine has a cost of living index of 61 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 39% 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 | 31 | 34 | 43 | 54 | 66 | 76 | 81 | 80 | 73 | 61 | 47 | 36 |
| Low °F | 16 | 19 | 28 | 37 | 46 | 57 | 63 | 63 | 55 | 43 | 32 | 22 |
| Precip" | 1.25 | 1.10 | 2.07 | 3.70 | 3.49 | 3.99 | 2.88 | 3.35 | 3.23 | 2.93 | 2.18 | 1.60 |
💨 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 Racine, WI?
Racine has a cost index of 61 (100 = national average). It is 39% below the national average.
What is average rent in Racine, WI?
The median gross rent in Racine is $983 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Racine?
The median home value in Racine is $158,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Racine?
The median household income in Racine is $55,705 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Racine, WI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Racine is 5.4%. The Wisconsin state income tax top rate is 7.7%.
Is Racine, WI affordable?
Yes, Racine is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 61 — about 39% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Racine?
Racine has average high temperatures of 56.7°F and average lows of 40.1°F. Annual precipitation is 31.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Racine at a Glance
- Population
- 77,155
- Median Income
- $55,705
- Home Value
- $158,100
- Median Rent
- $983/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Wisconsin Rankings
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