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Kenosha, WI vs Wausau, WI

87
Kenosha
Wisconsin
VS
+18.5%
73
Wausau
Wisconsin

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Wausau is 18.5% cheaper than Kenosha. With a cost index of 73 vs 87, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Wausau to Kenosha should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Kenosha is $1,137/month compared to $950/month in Wausau — a 20% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Wausau is more affordable at $155,900 median vs $210,500.

Median household income in Kenosha is $68,532 compared to $61,877 in Wausau (+10.8%). The higher salaries in Kenosha partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Kenosha spend roughly 19.9% of their income on rent, more than the 18.4% in Wausau.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Kenosha
87
Wausau
73
16% cheaper
Median Household Income
Kenosha
$68,532
10% higher
Wausau
$61,877

Housing

Median Rent
Kenosha
$1,137
Wausau
$950
16% cheaper
Median Home Value
Kenosha
$210,500
Wausau
$155,900
26% cheaper
Population
Kenosha
99,147
Wausau
39,893

Salary Equivalency Calculator

What does your salary in one city buy you in the other?

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Kenosha $3.18
Wausau $2.88
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Kenosha $2.59
Wausau $2.35
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Kenosha $4.17
Wausau $3.78
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Kenosha $1.92
Wausau $1.74
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Kenosha $4.29
Wausau $3.89
US $4.14
Electricity
Kenosha $0.16
Wausau $0.17
US $0.19