10 Expensive Cities in Wisconsin

When it comes to expensive places to live, states like California, New York, and Massachusetts typically come to mind before Wisconsin.

However, America’s Dairyland is home to several affluent cities that compare favorably to the country’s priciest zip codes in terms of luxury amenities, multi-million dollar real estate, top-tier education, and exclusive country club lifestyle offerings.

Look beyond images of cheese, cows, and football, and you’ll find these pockets of premier living scattered from the shores of Lake Michigan to the suburbs of Madison.

From Mequon to Brookfield and Delafield to the elite confines of River Hills, here is an overview of some of the most prosperous addresses within Wisconsin.

10 Expensive Cities in Wisconsin

1. Mequon

Nestled along Lake Michigan just north of Milwaukee, Mequon is routinely ranked as one of Wisconsin’s most affluent cities.

It’s attractive amenities and top-tier school district make it a coveted community for families and professionals seeking luxury living.

Cost of Living

Mequon’s cost of living is over 20% higher than the national average. Housing is the primary driver of expenses, with median home prices nearly double the median in Wisconsin.

Goods, services, utilities, and other costs are also inflated compared to state and national benchmarks.

Housing Market

Real estate in Mequon is elite by Wisconsin standards. Waterfront estates can fetch multi-million dollar price tags, while homes in gated golf and country club communities often sell for seven figures.

More standard single-family homes have median values over $400,000.

Schools

Mequon is home to some of the highest-performing public schools not just in the state, but in the entire Midwest region. This makes the community extremely attractive for families seeking top-tier education for their children.

Recreation & Culture

Situated along the Lake Michigan shoreline and nestled among wooded ravines, Mequon offers many upscale recreational and cultural amenities.

These include private beach clubs, yacht clubs, golf courses, an expansive nature preserve, and the exclusive River Club of Mequon venue.

2. Delafield

Delafield is situated along the shoreline of Lake Nagawicka in Waukesha County.

Known as a haven for the affluent, it features luxurious homes on sprawling properties, exclusive country clubs, high-end shopping boutiques, and a vibrant social scene.

Real Estate

Properties in Delafield routinely sell for over one million dollars, especially those situated on the Lake Nagawicka waterfront.

Even homes deep within the city’s interior command prices reaching the high six figures on multi-acre lots. This exclusivity is part of Delafield’s allure among wealthy homebuyers.

Lifestyle Amenities

Delafield boasts an array of high-society amenities catering to upscale tastes. Its country clubs feature prestigious golf courses.

Elegant restaurants provide fine dining experiences. Art galleries and botanical gardens offer cultural enrichment. Festivals, regattas, and polo matches highlight an active social calendar.

Accessibility

Despite its small-town ambiance, Delafield offers easy access to Milwaukee and Madison via Interstate 94.

This allows residents to enjoy a peaceful home life while remaining connected to urban opportunities for business, entertainment, and global air travel.

3. Whitefish Bay

Situated along the shore of Lake Michigan just north of Milwaukee, the village of Whitefish Bay has long been considered one of Wisconsin’s most desirable communities.

Its family-friendly atmosphere, highly regarded school system, historic architecture, and vibrant downtown draw affluent buyers from across the region.

Schools

Whitefish Bay High School routinely ranks among the top-performing public schools in Wisconsin.

Exceptional test scores, ample extracurricular activities, and a 92% graduation rate entice families seeking strong education for their children. The area’s elementary and middle schools are also highly rated.

Housing Market

Properties in Whitefish Bay command a premium compared to metro-Milwaukee real estate overall. Waterfront homes fetch multi-million dollar sale prices.

More standard single-family homes have median values over $375,000. Prices per square foot are also inflated, reflecting high demand.

Lifestyle Amenities

Residents enjoy amenities ranging from Lake Michigan beaches to quaint local shops and restaurants.

A weekly farmers market, summer art fairs, and holiday parades highlight a family-friendly community vibe. Access to urban opportunities in nearby Milwaukee adds to the village’s broad appeal.

4. Elm Grove

Elm Grove occupies a prime location in eastern Waukesha County, adjacent to the city of Brookfield and less than 20 minutes from downtown Milwaukee.

Large wooded properties, historic architecture, and high-end amenities have made the village synonymous with luxury living for over a century.

Housing Market

With median home values exceeding $500,000, Elm Grove real estate prices are more than double both state and national levels.

Sale prices commonly reach well over $1 million for larger estate properties. Surrounding woodlands and the Underwood Creek corridor provide a private, secluded feel throughout much of the village.

Low Crime

Elm Grove boasts exceptionally low crime rates, with violent and property crime statistics less than one-tenth the national per capita average.

For families and professionals concerned about safety and security, this adds to the village’s residential appeal.

Schools & Culture

The community is home to several private religious academies boasting exceptional test scores and 100% graduation rates.

The nearby Elmbrook Public School District is also highly ranked regionally. Cultural amenities include a popular community pool and recreation complex.

5. Pewaukee

Fronting Pewaukee Lake and situated just west of Milwaukee, the City of Pewaukee provides a quintessential blend of scenic beauty, recreational appeal, economic vibrance, and small-town charm.

Its lakefront properties, award-winning school district, and upscale amenities create an exclusive setting that attracts affluent residents and visitors.

Property Market

As one might expect given the desirable lakefront location, Pewaukee real estate commands a significant premium over metro-Milwaukee prices overall.

Waterfront homes routinely sell for $1 million and up. More standard houses away from the lake still average close to $400,000 in value.

Lifestyle Amenities

Sailing, boating, golfing, fine dining, and high-end shopping highlight Pewaukee’s upscale offerings. Its downtown district features trendy cafes, boutiques, galleries, and the annual Lakefront Wine Walk.

The Lake Pewaukee ski show provides a popular summer spectacle. Nearby hiking and biking trails add recreation variety.

School District

Pewaukee schools rank among the top-performing districts statewide, making the community attractive for families prioritizing education. PHS maintains a 97% graduation rate while scoring far above average on standardized tests.

6. Waunakee

Situated along Sixmile Creek in southern Dane County, the Village of Waunakee offers a small-town atmosphere paired with easy access to big-city amenities thanks to its proximity to Madison.

Strong schools, local businesses, community events, and new development make it one of the metro area’s most desirable suburbs.

School District

The Waunakee Community School District is frequently ranked among the best in Wisconsin, enticing families with its exceptional test scores, variety of AP course offerings, championship athletic programs, and over 97% graduation rate.

Housing Market

Demand for homes in Waunakee is high, fueled by the highly rated schools and convenient location near Madison’s jobs corridor.

Median sale prices approach $400,000 for single-family homes. New housing developments are also underway to meet ongoing population growth.

Economic Development

Several major employers have facilities in Waunakee, including Lands End and the WPPI Energy cooperative headquarters.

The village center along Main Street includes a diverse array of restaurants, shops, cafes, and businesses. A weekly farmers market and various community events add small-town vibrance.

7. Fox Point

The scenic bluffs, wooded ravines, and Lake Michigan shoreline of Fox Point have drawn affluent homebuyers to this quiet village for over a century.

Its seclusion, natural beauty, and proximity to Milwaukee have fostered luxury estates, private clubs, cultural attractions, and a reputation for exclusivity.

Housing

Fox Point real estate commands some of the highest prices in Wisconsin, with multi-million dollar lakefront estates common.

Away from the water, homes still average over $600,000 in value. Demand remains high despite inflated prices.

Beach Access

Residents enjoy private access to some of the North Shore’s finest Lake Michigan beaches via the Fox Point Beach Club.

This exclusive membership venue provides cabanas, swim lessons, sailing, and social events along the prized shoreline.

Culture & Recreation

The village boasts an array of upscale cultural and recreational amenities. These include the Fox Point Garden Club, Fox Point Players Theatre Troupe, community sailing programs, and wooded nature preserves with hiking and ski trails.

Several high-end boutiques and art galleries add further appeal.

8. Brookfield

Immediately west of Milwaukee in Waukesha County, Brookfield offers business vitality, recreational variety, and residential luxury.

It boasts the region’s largest shopping and entertainment complex at Brookfield Square Mall. Top-tier healthcare facilities and excellent freeway access also draw affluent residents and high-end development.

Housing Market

As a reflection of Brookfield’s desirability, residential real estate prices are inflated well above both state and national averages.

Newly constructed luxury apartment complexes meet the demand for upscale rental units. Single-family homes have a median value approaching $350,000.

Lifestyle Amenities

The community prides itself on over 200 acres of parkland and nature areas, including the scenic Brookfield Hills Golf Course.

The Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts provides cultural enrichment with live performances and exhibits.

Nearby Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory is nicknamed “The Domes” for its unique architectural domes housing exotic plant species.

School Districts

Families moving to Brookfield enjoy access to some of Wisconsin’s highest-performing public school districts, including Elmbrook and Menomonee Falls.

College readiness and graduation rates for local high schools rank well above both state and national averages.

Economic Anchors

Blue chip companies including Fiserv, Northwestern Mutual, and Rexnord maintain major operations centers in Brookfield.

This business vitality provides employment stability combined with proximity to metropolitan amenities.

An efficient transportation network including Interstate 94 offers connectivity throughout the region.

9. Verona

The City of Verona, located just south of Madison in Dane County, pairs small-town charm with growth and expansion.

The construction of Epic Systems’ global headquarters, the addition of luxury housing developments, and an influx of families drawn to highly-rated schools have transformed Verona into one of southern Wisconsin’s most desirable suburbs.

School District

Verona Area Schools consistently rank among the highest-performing districts in Dane County. Standardized test scores and graduation rates exceed national averages by wide margins.

A 2017 capital referendum funded athletic facility upgrades to complement successful sports programs. These strengths entice families seeking exceptional education for their children.

Housing Market

Median home sale prices now exceed $400,000 in Verona reflecting heightened demand in recent decades.

New constructions tend to feature larger floorplans with premium amenities to cater to the influx of affluent residents relocating from Madison and larger Midwest cities.

Lifestyle Amenities

The growing population has fueled the development of retail complexes, medical facilities, restaurants, and other conveniences that complement Verona’s small-town vibe.

Large community events include the popular Verona Hometown Days festival every summer. Performing arts highlights include Broadway musicals and concert band performances at the Verona Area Performing Arts Center.

10. River Hills

River Hills occupies a scenic landscape along the Milwaukee River north of the city. Its wooded ravines, country clubs, equestrian properties, and multi-million dollar estates foster a reputation as one of Wisconsin’s most exclusive enclaves.

Meticulous zoning laws guarantee lasting luxury appeal.

Gated Communities

Several villages occupy private, gated settings shielded from public roads. Exclusivity rather than connectivity is the priority.

This seclusion has attracted wealthy homeowners ranging from business executives to professional athletes seeking total privacy.

Country Clubs

The Milwaukee Country Club’s River Hills location is considered the most prestigious in Wisconsin. Its nationally-ranked golf course, fine dining, and social pedigree attract an elite membership roster.

Several private equestrian facilities also operate within River Hills.

Real Estate

With few lots available for new construction, River Hills properties seldom come to market. When homes do list, sale prices routinely run well into the millions.

Parcel sizes exceeding ten acres guarantee seclusion and privacy in natural settings interspersed by the Milwaukee River corridor.

Wrap Up