Elm Grove, WI vs Onalaska, WI

The cost of living difference between Elm Grove, WI and Onalaska, WI is dramatic. Onalaska is 43.6% cheaper than Elm Grove, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Elm Grove has a cost index of 126 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 Elm Grove is $1,788/month compared to $1,096/month in Onalaska — a 63% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Onalaska is more affordable at $279,100 median vs $468,000.

Median household income in Elm Grove is $133,304 compared to $84,898 in Onalaska (+57%). While Elm Grove is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Elm Grove spend roughly 16.1% of their income on rent, more than the 15.5% in Onalaska.