Green Bay, WI vs La Crosse, WI

Green Bay, WI and La Crosse, WI have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.7% difference in their overall index. Green Bay scores 75 while La Crosse scores 77 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Green Bay is $904/month compared to $977/month in La Crosse — a 8% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Green Bay is more affordable at $191,500 median vs $196,600.

Median household income in Green Bay is $62,546 compared to $53,803 in La Crosse (+16.3%). Green Bay offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Green Bay spend roughly 17.3% of their income on rent, less than the 21.8% in La Crosse.