Delafield, WI vs Onalaska, WI

The cost of living difference between Delafield, WI and Onalaska, WI is dramatic. Onalaska is 31.6% cheaper than Delafield, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Delafield has a cost index of 116 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 Delafield is $1,344/month compared to $1,096/month in Onalaska — a 23% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Onalaska is more affordable at $279,100 median vs $504,500.

Median household income in Delafield is $101,482 compared to $84,898 in Onalaska (+19.5%). The higher salaries in Delafield partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Delafield spend roughly 15.9% of their income on rent, more than the 15.5% in Onalaska.