Back in 1845, Swiss settlers founded this charming town in south central Wisconsin—three years before Wisconsin even became a state! New Glarus has that authentic Swiss vibe, with architecture that really shines when snow blankets the roofs and balconies. Even now, you’ll spot street names from the settlers’ original Swiss villages mixed in with modern road names.
So what’s the price tag for living in this Little Switzerland, which sits about 20 miles from Madison? According to their Cost of Living Calculator, New Glarus runs about 8% higher than the national average, with a family of four needing around $5,866 monthly and a single person roughly $2,664. But here’s the good news—some things are actually more budget-friendly here. Housing is a bright spot: the average home value is $357,599 compared to the national average of $370,320. Rental prices are pretty sweet too. Studio apartments in the Madison metro area average $950, which is about $130 cheaper than the national average. A two-bedroom runs $1,310 locally versus $1,430 nationwide.
Your utilities will be 2.8% cheaper than average, and groceries cost 3% less. Now, New Glarus is famous for its amazing Swiss food—think rösti and schnitzel—which can tempt you to dine out constantly. Here’s a money-saving tip: grab lunch instead of dinner and skip the appetizers.
Living affordably in New Glarus? There are lots of ways to make it happen
You can actually walk around parts of New Glarus pretty easily, which means you’ll save cash on gas. Based on how close shops, schools, and other spots are to neighborhoods, New Glarus scores a 69 for walkability—meaning some errands are doable on foot. Plus, buying a car in Wisconsin is pretty reasonable. Wisconsin ranks 13th for car acquisition costs when you factor in state sales tax, vehicle registration, and documentation fees.
Love the outdoors? You’re in luck. Head to New Glarus Woods State Park for hiking, biking, camping, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. You’ll need a vehicle admission sticker, but Wisconsin residents get one for just $28 a year. If you’re 65 or older and live in Wisconsin, it’s only $13 annually. That same pass also gets you onto the Sugar River State Recreation Trail in New Glarus—a beautiful National Recreational Trail with 14 stunning trestle bridges.
Want to venture out for a weekend escape? Drive six hours west to Superior on Lake Superior’s shore for swimming, kayaking, fishing, and tons of fun. Gas prices in Wisconsin averaged $3.68 a gallon as of July 10, 2026, and you’ll find plenty of cabins and campgrounds with different price points around Superior for the perfect getaway.
