Cost of Living in West Bend, WI
Population 31,722 · Wisconsin · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The West Bend cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $245,000, rents near $1,033 a month. An unemployment rate of 3.0% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
West Bend is about 25 miles northwest of Milwaukee, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 42% higher than Milwaukee's $172,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in West Bend
The median home value in West Bend is $244,500 — 20% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,033/month, 21% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $75,043/year is 1% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.0%, 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 56.0°F and lows of 37.1°F. Overall, West Bend has a cost of living index of 80 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 20% 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 | 27 | 30 | 42 | 56 | 68 | 78 | 82 | 80 | 73 | 59 | 45 | 32 |
| Low °F | 11 | 14 | 24 | 35 | 47 | 57 | 61 | 59 | 51 | 40 | 29 | 18 |
| Precip" | 0.73 | 0.69 | 1.72 | 2.79 | 3.31 | 4.14 | 3.40 | 3.45 | 2.86 | 2.54 | 1.84 | 0.92 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in West Bend, WI?
West Bend has a cost index of 80 (100 = national average). It is 20% below the national average.
What is average rent in West Bend, WI?
The median gross rent in West Bend is $1,033 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in West Bend?
The median home value in West Bend is $244,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in West Bend?
The median household income in West Bend is $75,043 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in West Bend, WI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in West Bend is 5.4%. The Wisconsin state income tax top rate is 7.7%.
Is West Bend, WI affordable?
Yes, West Bend is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 80 — about 20% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in West Bend?
West Bend has average high temperatures of 56.0°F and average lows of 37.1°F. Annual precipitation is 28.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
West Bend at a Glance
- Population
- 31,722
- Median Income
- $75,043
- Home Value
- $244,500
- Median Rent
- $1,033/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.4%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Wisconsin Rankings
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