Cost of Living in Rice Lake, WI
Population 9,030 · Wisconsin · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Rice Lake 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.
Geographically, Rice Lake lies roughly 75 miles east of the nearest major metro, St. Paul. Median home values run roughly 36% lower than St. Paul's $280,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Rice Lake
The median home value in Rice Lake is $178,100 — 42% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $834/month, 37% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $55,040/year is 26% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.9%, 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 52.6°F and lows of 30.4°F. Overall, Rice Lake has a cost of living index of 60 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 40% less expensive.
Rice Lake 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 | 22 | 27 | 40 | 53 | 67 | 76 | 80 | 78 | 69 | 55 | 39 | 27 |
| Low °F | 2 | 5 | 17 | 29 | 41 | 51 | 55 | 53 | 45 | 34 | 23 | 10 |
| Precip" | 0.55 | 0.68 | 1.55 | 2.72 | 3.84 | 4.03 | 4.46 | 4.05 | 3.67 | 3.07 | 1.67 | 1.04 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Rice Lake, WI?
Rice Lake has a cost index of 60 (100 = national average). It is 40% below the national average.
What is average rent in Rice Lake, WI?
The median gross rent in Rice Lake is $834 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Rice Lake?
The median home value in Rice Lake is $178,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Rice Lake?
The median household income in Rice Lake is $55,040 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Rice Lake, WI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Rice Lake is 5.4%. The Wisconsin state income tax top rate is 7.7%.
Is Rice Lake, WI affordable?
Yes, Rice Lake is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 60 — about 40% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Rice Lake?
Rice Lake has average high temperatures of 52.6°F and average lows of 30.4°F. Annual precipitation is 31.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Rice Lake at a Glance
- Population
- 9,030
- Median Income
- $55,040
- Home Value
- $178,100
- Median Rent
- $834/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 52.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Wisconsin Rankings
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