Janesville, WI vs Watertown, WI

Janesville, WI and Watertown, WI have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.2% difference in their overall index. Janesville scores 81 while Watertown scores 82 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 Janesville is $1,037/month compared to $1,061/month in Watertown — a 2% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Janesville is more affordable at $209,700 median vs $211,500.

Median household income in Janesville is $71,664 compared to $68,333 in Watertown (+4.9%). Janesville offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Janesville spend roughly 17.4% of their income on rent, less than the 18.6% in Watertown.