Northeast Wisconsin Cost of Living

We boast a low cost of living – the New North region’s Cost of Living Index is 8% lower than the nation’s average.  From the cost of housing, dining, recreation, goods and services, utilities, healthcare and transportation to taxes and college tuition, your money goes further in Northeast Wisconsin.

Learn more on the value of cost of living in Northeast Wisconsin in areas that matter to you:

Health Care

While the New North encompasses the best of Midwest living, you and your family are never far from the top quality medical services you deserve. With over 30 hospitals and countless medical clinics close to home, regional health care organizations, doctors and staff are dedicated to significantly improving the health and quality of life for the people in Northeast Wisconsin. From pediatrics to senior care, residents of the New North are comforted knowing that any type of heath care they or their family may require is close at hand, with top practice specialists readily accessible. And convenient, quality care is never an issue — walk-in clinics, emergency after hours, class-one trauma centers, out- and in-patient surgery centers are all options — with doctors and surgeons practicing the latest in medical technology, including robotic surgery, biotechnology and new, innovative heart scans.

What’s more, Wisconsin ranks 16th in WalletHub’s “Best States for Health Care” and 6th in access to health care.

Housing

Life in the New North offers the perfect balance between safe neighborhoods and thriving communities. Northeast Wisconsin has experienced explosive urban growth with an abundance of diverse urban housing options, but if a quieter setting with “Midwest friendly” neighbors is what you seek, you’ll certainly find that here, too. And your salary will go further in Northeast Wisconsin, helping you to plan, save and invest for a brighter tomorrow. In fact, more than 77% of New North residents own their own home.

Drive through peaceful neighborhoods, yet right around the corner is an active city center surrounded by upscale restaurants, specialty shops and trendy boutiques. People within the New North region appreciate diverse experiences, nestled right in their own backyard, but what they value even more are strong family values supported by a sense of community living. Neighborhoods in the New North range from high-rise condos to new and historic subdivision developments and senior communities — even second homes of cottages in the woods or cabins by the water. Whatever your dream, the high quality of living allows you more purchase power to afford more home and land than you can buy elsewhere. Add in clean air, worklife balance and world-class health care and education, and you realize that the cost of living in the New North is priceless!

Healthcare

• Hospitals located in the New North have consistently been cited in numerous national publications, including U.S. News, for their leadership in quality and value improvement.
• Medical College of Wisconsin physicians account for 45 percent of the 981 Wisconsin physicians listed as Best Doctors in America.
• Hospitals located in the New North are recognized by the American Heart Associations’ Get with the Guidelines performance program for heart and stroke care.
• According to the Kaiser Family Foundation Wisconsin has the 6th highest employer contribution for average annual employeeplus-one premium per enrolled employee for employer-based health insurance.
• WI Ranks 15th overall in U.S. News Health Care Quality Ranking, and 7th in Nursing Home Quality.

Housing

• You’ll need 26% less to live with the same standards of living in the New North than in Atlanta and 38% less to live in the New North than Chicago.
• Multiple communities in the New North were named one of top 100 Best Places to Live by Livability. Additionally Wisconsin was ranked the 6th Best State to Live in by WalletHub.
• The average annual insurance premium for Wisconsin is the 2nd lowest nationally and is about 35% below the national average according to Insure.com.
• New North communities have also been included in Coastal Living’s “10 Best Little Beach Towns on the Great Lakes.”