What is the cost of living in DeForest, WI?
According to the most recent data on the cost of living, DeForest has an overall cost of living index of 107, which is 1.1x higher than the national index of 100.
Compared to Wisconsin, DeForest has a cost of living index that's 1.1x higher than Wisconsin's index of 98.
The standard of living in DeForest ranks as #107 most affordable out of the 146 places we measured in Wisconsin. By definition, that implies DeForest ranks as the #39 most expensive place in the Badger State.
For more reading on life in DeForest, check out:
DeForest Cost Of Living Vs. Wisconsin
Six factors go into calculating the cost of living index in DeForest. Here is how it fares on each of the criteria:
The Services index in DeForest is 98.
The Groceries index in DeForest is 99.
The Health index in DeForest is 123.
The Housing index in DeForest is 97.
The Transportation index in DeForest is 99.
The Utilities index in DeForest is 102.
| Living Expense | DeForest | Wisconsin | National Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 107 | 98 | 100 |
| Services | 98 | 98 | 100 |
| Groceries | 99 | 100 | 100 |
| Health | 123 | 91 | 100 |
| Housing | 97 | 99 | 100 |
| Transportation | 99 | 102 | 100 |
| Utilities | 102 | 100 | 100 |
DeForest Cost Of Living Compared To Wisconsin Averages
Index where 100 = national average. Source: cost-of-living index 2026.
For more reading on cost of living around Wisconsin, check out:
Protect your home budget Compare home warranties in DeForest Get matched →Source: Cost-of-living index 2026, normalized to US average = 100
DeForest, WI Housing Cost Breakdown
Housing swings affordability the most between places in Wisconsin, so we broke down housing costs into more detail. Home and income data comes from the most recent US Census ACS 2020-2024. The key points are:
The Median Home Value in DeForest is $445,514.
The Median Rent in DeForest is $1,442.
The Median Income in DeForest is $106,419.
The Home Value To Income in DeForest is 4.2x.
The Rent To Monthly Income in DeForest is 0.16x.
DeForest, WI Costs By Category
Detailed DeForest Services costs vs. Wisconsin
Detailed DeForest Groceries costs vs. Wisconsin
Detailed DeForest Health costs vs. Wisconsin
Detailed DeForest Transportation costs vs. Wisconsin
Deforest SnackAbility
Cost Of Living In Cities Around DeForest
The cost of living varies in the cities and towns around DeForest. Here's a quick look at the cost of living in the most populous nearby places:
Madison, WI has a cost of living index of 110, 1.0x DeForest.
Sun Prairie, WI has a cost of living index of 111, 1.0x DeForest.
Fitchburg, WI has a cost of living index of 117, 1.1x DeForest.
| City | Population | Cost Of Living | Vs. DeForest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madison, WI | 278,001 | 110 | 1.0x |
| Sun Prairie, WI | 37,570 | 111 | 1.0x |
| Fitchburg, WI | 32,619 | 117 | 1.1x |
| Middleton, WI | 22,301 | 120 | 1.1x |
| Waunakee, WI | 15,687 | 121 | 1.1x |
| Verona, WI | 15,232 | 115 | 1.1x |
| McFarland, WI | 9,160 | 109 | 1.0x |
| Monona, WI | 8,527 | 112 | 1.0x |
| Cottage Grove, WI | 8,513 | 113 | 1.1x |
