Cost of Living in La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN

How far does a $70,000 salary go in La Crosse-Onalaska? Estimated income taxes on that gross salary total approximately $7,241 per year — WI-MN levies no state income tax, so that figure covers federal tax only. Subtract rent for a 2-bedroom apartment ($1,166/month based on HUD Fair Market Rents for the La Crosse-Onalaska metro area) and the estimated annual take-home is $48,767, or roughly $4,064 per month for everything else: food, transportation, savings, and discretionary spending.

The La Crosse-Onalaska metro has a cost of living index of 67.4 according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (national average = 100). At 33% below the national average, La Crosse-Onalaska is a genuinely affordable metro where everyday expenses stretch further than in most cities.

At a $70,000 salary, the estimated 2-bedroom rent in La Crosse-Onalaska represents approximately 20% of gross income. That falls comfortably below the 30% rent-burden guideline, a healthy position for building savings. WI-MN's zero income tax helps offset the rent burden compared to otherwise similar cities that also levy state income tax.