Middleton, WI vs Wauwatosa, WI

Wauwatosa is moderately more affordable than Middleton, with a 11.8% lower cost of living index. Middleton scores 112 compared to 100 for Wauwatosa, 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 $1,373/month in Wauwatosa — a 1% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Middleton has cheaper rent, Wauwatosa actually has lower median home values ($307,600 vs $457,400).

Median household income in Middleton is $85,526 compared to $93,859 in Wauwatosa (-8.9%). Wauwatosa 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 17.6% in Wauwatosa.