Menomonie, WI vs Waupaca, WI

Waupaca is moderately more affordable than Menomonie, with a 11% lower cost of living index. Menomonie scores 78 compared to 70 for Waupaca, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Menomonie can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Menomonie is $933/month compared to $748/month in Waupaca — a 25% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waupaca is more affordable at $177,600 median vs $203,800.

Median household income in Menomonie is $54,587 compared to $52,586 in Waupaca (+3.8%). Menomonie does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Menomonie spend roughly 20.5% of their income on rent, more than the 17.1% in Waupaca.