Manitowoc, WI vs Waukesha, WI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Manitowoc is 26.1% cheaper than Waukesha. With a cost index of 69 vs 93, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Manitowoc to Waukesha should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Manitowoc is $787/month compared to $1,183/month in Waukesha — a 34% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Manitowoc is more affordable at $143,900 median vs $286,600.

Median household income in Manitowoc is $62,133 compared to $81,651 in Waukesha (-23.9%). The higher salaries in Waukesha partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Manitowoc spend roughly 15.2% of their income on rent, less than the 17.4% in Waukesha.