Middleton, WI vs Waukesha, WI

Waukesha is moderately more affordable than Middleton, with a 13.2% lower cost of living index. Middleton scores 112 compared to 99 for Waukesha, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Middleton can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Middleton is $1,357/month compared to $1,167/month in Waukesha — a 16% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waukesha is more affordable at $375,700 median vs $457,400.

Median household income in Middleton is $85,526 compared to $126,286 in Waukesha (-32.3%). Waukesha offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Middleton spend roughly 19% of their income on rent, more than the 11.1% in Waukesha.