Skyline of Sheboygan
Cost of Living: 88 48,000

Sheboygan, WI, US

Lake Michigan city known as the Bratwurst Capital with the Bookworm Gardens.

Updated September 12, 2026

Overview

Sheboygan is a city in WI with a population of 48,000. Lake Michigan city known as the Bratwurst Capital with the Bookworm Gardens. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5a growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees.

Last updated: September 12, 2026

Cost of Living 88

Below Average vs US Avg (100)

Housing Index 90

Affordable

Median Income $50,000

Household income

Unemployment 3.2%

Job market health

Sheboygan vs US Average

Cost of Living
Sheboygan: 88
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Sheboygan: 90
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Sheboygan: 6.27%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 6.3%
  • Sales Tax: 5.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $50,000
  • Unemployment: 3.2%
  • Population: 48,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 190/year
  • Summer High: 80°F
  • Winter Low: 18°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5a

Housing

  • Median Home: $200,000
  • 1BR Rent: $900/mo

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Cost of Living

Sheboygan's cost of living index is 88 (US average = 100).

CategorySheboyganNational AverageDifference
Overall88100-12.0%
Housing90100-10.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$200,000
Median Rent (1BR)$900/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$1,125/mo
Price per Sq Ft$133

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

$
%
$90,000 down
%
%
$

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Sheboygan:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$114Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating & Cooling$78Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Cooling (AC)N/AEstimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water$45Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$70Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total Utilities$307Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Remote Work Score

Sheboygan scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
88
Rent
$900
Sunny Days
190
Tax
6.27%
Unemployment
3.2%
Climate
80°F / 18°F
Safety
5.8 homicides/100k
Population
48,000
Internet Speed
200 Mbps

Climate

Sheboygan has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January38°F18°F2.5"
April65°F33°F2.8"
July80°F55°F1.5"
October60°F36°F2.2"
USDA Zone 5a

Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Sheboygan faces the following natural hazards:

Blizzard High Risk

Severe winter storms and blizzards.

Wildfire Moderate Risk

Wildfire risk in forested areas.

Tornado Moderate Risk

Tornado risk.

Flood Moderate Risk

River and lake flooding.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 6.27%
  • Sales Tax: 5%
  • Property Tax: ~1.85% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.2%.

Schools & Education

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Academic Year September to June
Term System Semester — Fall (Aug-Dec), Spring (Jan-May/June)
Summer Break Early June to September (12 weeks)
Winter Break Late December to early January (2 weeks)
Spring Break March or April (1 week)

State mandates 180 school days.

Demographics

The population of Sheboygan is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.

Ethnicity

Asian
12.2%
Black or African American
3.3%
Hispanic or Latino
12.6%
Native American
0.2%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
0.2%
Other
0.0%
Two or more races
3.6%
White
67.9%

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
23.4%
High school graduate
34.6%
Less than high school
8.5%
Some college
33.5%

Religion

Christian
70.0%
Other
5.0%
Unaffiliated
25.0%

Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Sheboygan, WI, US?

The cost of living index in Sheboygan is 88, which is Lower the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Sheboygan?

The median home price in Sheboygan is $200,000. The housing index is 90.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Sheboygan is approximately $900/mo.

Does Sheboygan, WI have income tax?

Sheboygan is in WI, which has an income tax rate of 6.27%.

What is the climate like in Sheboygan?

Sheboygan enjoys approximately 190 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 80°F, while winter lows can drop to around 18°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.