America's 'Little Switzerland' Has A Cost Of Living That Might Surprise You

Founded by Swiss settlers in 1845 in south central Wisconsin, three years before Wisconsin became a state, New Glarus features architecture reminiscent of Switzerland, especially when snow covers the roofs and balconies. Even today, many streets still bear the names of villages from the settlers' homeland alongside more modern road names. 

You might wonder what it costs to live in the town nicknamed Little Switzerland, located about 20 miles from Madison. Using its Cost of Living Calculator, Salary.com shows New Glarus as having a cost of living that's 8% higher than the national average, with a family of four needing $5,866 per month and a single person about $2,664. That said, more affordable aspects exist in Little Switzerland. According to Zillow in July 2026, the average home value is $357,599, compared to the national average of $370,320. As far as rental costs, studio apartments in the Madison metro area go for an average of $950, according to BestPlaces, about $130 below the national average. A two-bedroom goes for $1,310 in metropolitan Madison, compared to $1,430 nationally. 

Utility costs are 2.8% lower in New Glarus than the national average with grocery costs coming in at 3% less. As far as eating out, Little Switzerland is known for its delicious Swiss cuisine, ranging from rösti to schnitzel. It can be tempting to eat out often in New Glarus. To protect your pocketbook when eating out at restaurants, enjoy lunch rather than dinner and avoid appetizers.

Parts of New Glarus can be quite walkable, saving on gas costs for residents. UBased on distances to shopping, schools, and other destinations, Walk Score gives New Glarus a score of 69, meaning that some errands can be done on foot. Plus, it can be cheaper to own a car in Wisconsin than many states in 2026. CarEdge used state sales tax, vehicle registration, and documentation fees to determine that Wisconsin ranks 13th in car acquisition costs. 

As far as recreation, outdoor lovers can hike, bike, camp, cross-country ski, and snowshoe at the New Glarus Woods State Park. Although a vehicle admission sticker is required, Wisconsin residents can purchase one for just $28 annually. People aged 65 and up from the Badger State only need to pay $13 each year. The annual state pass also gets people into the Sugar River State Recreation Trail in New Glarus, a National Recreational Trail with 14 trestle bridges. 

When wanting to enjoy a trip out of town, you could take a six-hour drive to Superior at the western point of Lake Superior, America's cleanest lake, for swimming, kayaking, fishing, and more. Gas prices in Wisconsin, as of July 10, 2026, average $3.68 a gallon per AAA, and plenty of cabins and campgrounds with a range of prices are available in Superior for a getaway.