Cost of Living in Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Population 18,756 · Wisconsin · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Wisconsin Rapids a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $117,000. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.2% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Wisconsin Rapids lies roughly 90 miles west of the nearest major metro, Green Bay — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 39% lower than Green Bay's $192,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Wisconsin Rapids
The median home value in Wisconsin Rapids is $116,600 — 62% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $872/month, 34% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $54,116/year is 27% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.2%, above 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 55.1°F and lows of 34.5°F. Overall, Wisconsin Rapids has a cost of living index of 49 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 51% 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 | 25 | 29 | 42 | 56 | 69 | 78 | 82 | 80 | 72 | 58 | 43 | 30 |
| Low °F | 8 | 11 | 22 | 33 | 45 | 55 | 59 | 57 | 49 | 37 | 26 | 14 |
| Precip" | 0.95 | 0.90 | 1.96 | 2.98 | 3.68 | 4.58 | 3.56 | 3.83 | 3.43 | 2.51 | 1.70 | 1.22 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Wisconsin Rapids, WI?
Wisconsin Rapids has a cost index of 49 (100 = national average). It is 51% below the national average.
What is average rent in Wisconsin Rapids, WI?
The median gross rent in Wisconsin Rapids is $872 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Wisconsin Rapids?
The median home value in Wisconsin Rapids is $116,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Wisconsin Rapids?
The median household income in Wisconsin Rapids is $54,116 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Wisconsin Rapids, WI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Wisconsin Rapids is 5.4%. The Wisconsin state income tax top rate is 7.7%.
Is Wisconsin Rapids, WI affordable?
Yes, Wisconsin Rapids 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 Wisconsin Rapids?
Wisconsin Rapids has average high temperatures of 55.1°F and average lows of 34.5°F. Annual precipitation is 31.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Wisconsin Rapids at a Glance
- Population
- 18,756
- Median Income
- $54,116
- Home Value
- $116,600
- Median Rent
- $872/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 55.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.4%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Wisconsin Rankings
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