Cost of Living in River Falls, WI
Population 16,349 · Wisconsin · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
River Falls is a smaller Wisconsin community of around 16000 residents, where median household incomes of $78,078 and housing costs ($300,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Geographically, River Falls sits roughly 25 miles east of St. Paul. Housing prices track closely with St. Paul's $280,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in River Falls
The median home value in River Falls is $299,800 — 2% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,050/month, 20% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $78,078/year is 5% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.4%, 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%. Overall, River Falls has a cost of living index of 91 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 9% 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
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in River Falls, WI?
River Falls has a cost index of 91 (100 = national average). It is 9% below the national average.
What is average rent in River Falls, WI?
The median gross rent in River Falls is $1,050 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in River Falls?
The median home value in River Falls is $299,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in River Falls?
The median household income in River Falls is $78,078 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in River Falls, WI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in River Falls is 5.4%. The Wisconsin state income tax top rate is 7.7%.
Is River Falls, WI affordable?
River Falls is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 91 (100 = US average).
River Falls at a Glance
- Population
- 16,349
- Median Income
- $78,078
- Home Value
- $299,800
- Median Rent
- $1,050/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.4%
- Sales Tax
- 5.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Wisconsin Rankings
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