Brookfield, WI vs Waunakee, WI

Waunakee is moderately more affordable than Brookfield, with a 9.9% lower cost of living index. Brookfield scores 122 compared to 111 for Waunakee, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Brookfield can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Brookfield is $1,794/month compared to $1,236/month in Waunakee — a 45% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Waunakee has cheaper rent, Brookfield actually has lower median home values ($419,300 vs $490,300).

Median household income in Brookfield is $124,026 compared to $128,750 in Waunakee (-3.7%). Waunakee offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Brookfield spend roughly 17.4% of their income on rent, more than the 11.5% in Waunakee.