Brookfield, WI vs Onalaska, WI

The cost of living difference between Brookfield, WI and Onalaska, WI is dramatic. Onalaska is 39.2% cheaper than Brookfield, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Brookfield has a cost index of 122 while Onalaska sits at 88, 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 $1,096/month in Onalaska — a 64% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Onalaska is more affordable at $279,100 median vs $419,300.

Median household income in Brookfield is $124,026 compared to $84,898 in Onalaska (+46.1%). 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 15.5% in Onalaska.