Cost of Living in Rhinelander, WI
Population 8,248 · Wisconsin · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Rhinelander is a smaller Wisconsin community of around 8000 residents, where median household incomes of $53,561 and housing costs ($123,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. An unemployment rate of 1.9% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Geographically, Rhinelander lies roughly 105 miles northwest of the nearest major metro, Green Bay. Median home values run roughly 36% lower than Green Bay's $192,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Rhinelander
The median home value in Rhinelander is $123,300 — 60% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $818/month, 38% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $53,561/year is 28% 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 52.5°F and lows of 30.4°F. Overall, Rhinelander has a cost of living index of 49 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 51% less expensive.
Rhinelander has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 | 23 | 27 | 39 | 52 | 66 | 76 | 80 | 77 | 69 | 55 | 39 | 27 |
| Low °F | 4 | 6 | 17 | 29 | 41 | 50 | 54 | 52 | 45 | 34 | 23 | 11 |
| Precip" | 0.83 | 0.79 | 1.52 | 2.65 | 3.42 | 3.93 | 4.02 | 3.09 | 3.48 | 2.95 | 1.75 | 1.20 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Rhinelander, WI?
Rhinelander has a cost index of 49 (100 = national average). It is 51% below the national average.
What is average rent in Rhinelander, WI?
The median gross rent in Rhinelander is $818 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Rhinelander?
The median home value in Rhinelander is $123,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Rhinelander?
The median household income in Rhinelander is $53,561 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Rhinelander, WI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Rhinelander is 5.4%. The Wisconsin state income tax top rate is 7.7%.
Is Rhinelander, WI affordable?
Yes, Rhinelander is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 49 — about 51% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Rhinelander?
Rhinelander has average high temperatures of 52.5°F and average lows of 30.4°F. Annual precipitation is 29.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Rhinelander at a Glance
- Population
- 8,248
- Median Income
- $53,561
- Home Value
- $123,300
- Median Rent
- $818/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 52.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.4%
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Wisconsin Rankings
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