La Crosse, WI vs Wauwatosa, WI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. La Crosse is 22.8% cheaper than Wauwatosa. With a cost index of 77 vs 100, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from La Crosse to Wauwatosa should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in La Crosse is $977/month compared to $1,373/month in Wauwatosa — a 29% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: La Crosse is more affordable at $196,600 median vs $307,600.

Median household income in La Crosse is $53,803 compared to $93,859 in Wauwatosa (-42.7%). While Wauwatosa 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 17.6% in Wauwatosa.