Cost of Living in Sun Prairie, WI
Population 36,455 · Wisconsin · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Sun Prairie cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $340,000, rents near $1,374 a month. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.1% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Geographically, Sun Prairie sits roughly 12 miles northeast of Madison. Housing prices track closely with Madison's $347,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Sun Prairie
The median home value in Sun Prairie is $339,800 — 11% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,374/month, 5% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $90,521/year is 21% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.1%, 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 56.5°F and lows of 37.6°F, with about 51.8" of annual snowfall. Overall, Sun Prairie has a cost of living index of 109 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 9% more 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 | 31 | 44 | 57 | 69 | 79 | 82 | 80 | 73 | 60 | 45 | 32 |
| Low °F | 12 | 15 | 25 | 36 | 47 | 57 | 62 | 60 | 51 | 40 | 29 | 18 |
| Precip" | 1.47 | 1.52 | 2.26 | 3.78 | 4.10 | 5.28 | 4.51 | 4.16 | 3.43 | 2.77 | 2.22 | 1.63 |
| Snow" | 13.7 | 12.8 | 7.0 | 2.6 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.6 | 3.0 | 12.0 |
💨 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 Sun Prairie, WI?
Sun Prairie has a cost index of 109 (100 = national average). It is 9% above the national average.
What is average rent in Sun Prairie, WI?
The median gross rent in Sun Prairie is $1,374 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Sun Prairie?
The median home value in Sun Prairie is $339,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Sun Prairie?
The median household income in Sun Prairie is $90,521 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Sun Prairie, WI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Sun Prairie is 5.4%. The Wisconsin state income tax top rate is 7.7%.
Is Sun Prairie, WI affordable?
Sun Prairie is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 109 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Sun Prairie?
Sun Prairie has average high temperatures of 56.5°F and average lows of 37.6°F. Annual precipitation is 37.1". Average annual snowfall is 51.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Sun Prairie at a Glance
- Population
- 36,455
- Median Income
- $90,521
- Home Value
- $339,800
- Median Rent
- $1,374/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Wisconsin Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs