La Crosse, WI vs Madison, WI: Cost of Living Comparison
La Crosse has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | La Crosse | Madison | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 73 | 100 | La Crosse |
| Housing | 56 ($684) | 100 ($955) | La Crosse |
| Transportation | 100 ($3.50) | 98 ($3.50) | Madison |
| Food & groceries | 72 ($295) | 103 ($422) | La Crosse |
| Utilities | 78 ($101) | 100 ($180) | La Crosse |
| Healthcare | 78 ($73) | 100 ($130) | La Crosse |
| Median annual wage | 104 ($50,270) | 104 ($50,270) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is La Crosse, WI or Madison, WI cheaper to live in?
La Crosse, WI is cheaper overall by about 27 index points (La Crosse, WI: 73, Madison, WI: 100; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in La Crosse, WI vs Madison, WI?
A single adult needs roughly $25,550/year in La Crosse, WI and $35,000/year in Madison, WI to cover basic living costs.