Beaver Dam, WI vs Waupaca, WI

Waupaca is moderately more affordable than Beaver Dam, with a 9.8% lower cost of living index. Beaver Dam scores 77 compared to 70 for Waupaca, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Beaver Dam can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Beaver Dam is $942/month compared to $748/month in Waupaca — a 26% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waupaca is more affordable at $177,600 median vs $189,800.

Median household income in Beaver Dam is $68,757 compared to $52,586 in Waupaca (+30.8%). While Beaver Dam is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Beaver Dam spend roughly 16.4% of their income on rent, less than the 17.1% in Waupaca.