La Crosse, WI vs Waukesha, WI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. La Crosse is 16.6% cheaper than Waukesha. With a cost index of 77 vs 93, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from La Crosse to Waukesha should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in La Crosse is $977/month compared to $1,183/month in Waukesha — a 17% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: La Crosse is more affordable at $196,600 median vs $286,600.

Median household income in La Crosse is $53,803 compared to $81,651 in Waukesha (-34.1%). While Waukesha 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 17.4% in Waukesha.