La Crosse, WI vs South Milwaukee, WI

La Crosse is moderately more affordable than South Milwaukee, with a 5.5% lower cost of living index. La Crosse scores 77 compared to 82 for South Milwaukee, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of South Milwaukee can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in La Crosse is $977/month compared to $1,014/month in South Milwaukee — a 4% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: La Crosse is more affordable at $196,600 median vs $216,400.

Median household income in La Crosse is $53,803 compared to $70,146 in South Milwaukee (-23.3%). While South Milwaukee 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 17.3% in South Milwaukee.