La Crosse, WI vs Oak Creek, WI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. La Crosse is 23.2% cheaper than Oak Creek. With a cost index of 77 vs 101, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from La Crosse to Oak Creek should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in La Crosse is $977/month compared to $1,397/month in Oak Creek — a 30% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: La Crosse is more affordable at $196,600 median vs $305,100.

Median household income in La Crosse is $53,803 compared to $93,120 in Oak Creek (-42.2%). While Oak Creek is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of La Crosse spend roughly 21.8% of their income on rent, more than the 18% in Oak Creek.