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Madison, WI

Cost of living in Columbia County, WI

Part of the Madison Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$2,993/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 58,322 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $829 28%
Federal tax $625 21%
Healthcare $480 16%
Groceries $329 11%
Transport $320 11%
State tax $181 6%
Energy $179 6%
Water $50 2%

Rent in Columbia County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$745
per month
1 bedroom
$829
per month
2 bedroom
$1,087
per month
3 bedroom
$1,519
per month
4 bedroom
$1,665
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Columbia County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$82,792
per year
Individual earnings
$48,293
per year
Per capita
$41,515
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Columbia County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$258,700
Annual property tax
$3,826

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Columbia County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$121
per month · 17.3¢/kWh
Natural gas
$58
per month
Annual total
$2,148
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Columbia County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
4.6%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Columbia County

State and local tax rates for Wisconsin.

State income tax
7.7%
Top marginal rate
State sales tax
5.0%
Combined sales tax
5.4%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Columbia County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
26.6 min
Drive alone
77.9%
Public transit
0.1%
Work from home
11.3%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Columbia County

What it costs to live in Columbia County each month.

Single person
$2,993
per month
  • Rent $829
  • Energy $179
  • Water $50
  • Groceries $329
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $625
  • State tax $181
Couple
$4,549
per month
  • Rent $1,087
  • Energy $215
  • Water $60
  • Groceries $545
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $1,025
  • State tax $333
Family
$7,112
per month
  • Rent $1,519
  • Energy $268
  • Water $70
  • Groceries $827
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $1,025
  • State tax $333

Frequently asked questions about Columbia County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Columbia County?

In Columbia County, WI, a one-bedroom apartment averages $829 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,087 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,519 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Columbia County?

In Columbia County, WI, the average household income is $82,792 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $48,293 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Columbia County?

The estimated cost of living in Columbia County, WI is approximately $2,993 per month for a single person, $4,549 for a couple, $7,112 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Columbia County?

The combined sales tax rate in Columbia County, WI is 5.44%, which includes the Wisconsin state rate of 5.00% plus an average local rate of 0.44%.

Is Columbia County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Columbia County, WI would need approximately $2,993 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $82,792 per year ($6,899 per month). Columbia County is relatively affordable compared to the national average.

How much does healthcare cost in Columbia County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Columbia County, WI is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 4.6% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Columbia County?

The average home value in Columbia County, WI is $258,700, with average annual property taxes of $3,826, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Columbia County compare to other areas?

You can compare Columbia County, WI with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Columbia County is in the Madison, WI metro area.

Other counties in Wisconsin

Browse the full list of counties in Wisconsin, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Wisconsin

Compare Columbia County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources