La Crosse, WI vs Stevens Point, WI

La Crosse, WI and Stevens Point, WI have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.3% difference in their overall index. La Crosse scores 77 while Stevens Point scores 75 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 La Crosse is $977/month compared to $874/month in Stevens Point — a 12% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Stevens Point is more affordable at $189,700 median vs $196,600.

Median household income in La Crosse is $53,803 compared to $56,218 in Stevens Point (-4.3%). Stevens Point offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of La Crosse spend roughly 21.8% of their income on rent, more than the 18.7% in Stevens Point.