Whitefish Bay, WI

Above Avg · 129

Wisconsin · Population 14,750 · Updated March 2026

$1,348
Median Rent / Month
$154,255
Median Income
$498,700
Median Home Value
$2,020
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Whitefish Bay

10.5%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Wisconsin

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

7.65%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
5.0%
Sales Tax
1.61%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$16,176
Annual Rent
$11,801
State Income Tax
$8,029
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Whitefish Bay has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 129 (where 100 equals the national median), Whitefish Bay residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,348/month while earning a median household income of $154,255/year.

The median home value in Whitefish Bay, WI is $498,700, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,020 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 10.5% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Wisconsin has a moderate income tax rate of 7.65%. Combined with a 5.0% sales tax rate and 1.61% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Whitefish Bay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Whitefish Bay

What is the cost of living in Whitefish Bay, WI?
The cost of living index in Whitefish Bay, WI is 129 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,348, median household income is $154,255/year, and the median home value is $498,700.
Is Whitefish Bay, WI affordable?
No, Whitefish Bay is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 129. The rent-to-income ratio is 10.5%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Whitefish Bay, WI?
The median gross rent in Whitefish Bay, WI is $1,348 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $16,176.
What is the median household income in Whitefish Bay?
The median household income in Whitefish Bay, WI is $154,255 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin has a top income tax rate of 7.65%, a sales tax of 5.0%, and an effective property tax rate of 1.61%.