Wisconsin is for you if you're looking to retire to the Badger State. It's well known for its vast, gorgeous land that many use for farming, particularly cheeses and other products, including breweries. But, of course, if you're looking to retire in peace, then you'll love Wisconsin. Expect mild summers, but be sure to bundle up during winter. It can be cold. Otherwise, you're moving to an area that's a great place to live and affordable. Read below to see how well Wisconsin fares against the country's national average.
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Wisconsin is slightly below the national average in the US, being nearly 3%. Utilities, transportation, and miscellaneous costs all share that they are a bit below the national average. Groceries are about a percent higher, unfortunately. However, Wisconsin shines because the housing costs are over 11 points lower than the national average, with the median home cost being over $100K less than what you will pay in other areas. Overall, it can be a state where you could have a comfortable retirement, but this can depend on where you live and your overall budget.
Cost-of-living indices
100 = US average. Higher means more expensive.
Housing & rent
Statewide medians and averages.
Whether you're comparing options for a parent or planning ahead for yourself, here's where to start by care level.
Assisted living provides personal care, meals, and daily support for seniors who need help with everyday tasks but not full medical supervision.
Memory care is a specialized type of senior living for people with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or other cognitive decline.
Independent living is community housing for active seniors who want amenities, social life, and freedom from home upkeep without daily personal-care services.
Home care brings personal-care services and companionship into the senior's own home rather than moving them into a community.
A skilled nursing facility (SNF, often called a nursing home) provides 24-hour licensed medical care and rehabilitation for seniors with serious health conditions.
Senior apartments are age-restricted rental homes - typically for residents 55+ or 62+ - designed for older adults who live independently.
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Guides for families
Resource library
For two years, a federal program quietly held down the premiums on stand-alone Medicare drug plans. It ends with the 2027 plan year, which is why some Part D premiums could jump more this Open Enrollment than they have recently. Here is what changed, who is affected, and how to protect your drug costs before December 7.
Resource library
In 2027, the full retirement age for Social Security finishes its long climb to 67. People born in 1960 are the first group to reach a full retirement age of exactly 67. Here is what that changes, what it does not, and how the age you claim still moves your check by hundreds of dollars a month.
Resource library
The federal government has stopped mailing most paper checks, and Social Security wants every beneficiary on direct deposit or a Direct Express card by the end of 2026. Fewer than 1 percent of recipients still get a check in the mail. Here is who is affected, how to switch, and the narrow exceptions that let a few people keep paper.
Savings
Find affordable lawn care for seniors through volunteer groups, local assistance programs, and competitive quotes. Learn how to request discounts and reduce ongoing yard maintenance costs.
Savings
Fifteen senior discounts and memberships that are actually published, with the age, the price and the fine print for each, plus which store discounts are real only if your local branch says so.
Savings
Five of these 18 chains publish a senior or member discount you can count on. The other 13 leave it to the franchise owner. Here's which is which, what's been reported, and how to ask.
More beyond care: all savings guides and all buying guides.
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