Brookfield, WI vs Menasha, WI

The cost of living difference between Brookfield, WI and Menasha, WI is dramatic. Menasha is 67.6% cheaper than Brookfield, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Brookfield has a cost index of 122 while Menasha sits at 73, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Brookfield is $1,794/month compared to $866/month in Menasha — a 107% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Menasha is more affordable at $169,200 median vs $419,300.

Median household income in Brookfield is $124,026 compared to $64,392 in Menasha (+92.6%). While Brookfield is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Brookfield spend roughly 17.4% of their income on rent, more than the 16.1% in Menasha.