Brookfield, WI vs Waukesha, WI

The cost of living difference between Brookfield, WI and Waukesha, WI is dramatic. Waukesha is 31.7% cheaper than Brookfield, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Brookfield has a cost index of 122 while Waukesha sits at 93, 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 $1,183/month in Waukesha — a 52% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waukesha is more affordable at $286,600 median vs $419,300.

Median household income in Brookfield is $124,026 compared to $81,651 in Waukesha (+51.9%). 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, less than the 17.4% in Waukesha.