Oconomowoc, WI vs Wausau, WI

The cost of living difference between Oconomowoc, WI and Wausau, WI is dramatic. Wausau is 37.8% cheaper than Oconomowoc, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Oconomowoc has a cost index of 101 while Wausau sits at 73, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Oconomowoc is $1,235/month compared to $950/month in Wausau — a 30% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Wausau is more affordable at $155,900 median vs $367,700.

Median household income in Oconomowoc is $105,833 compared to $61,877 in Wausau (+71%). While Oconomowoc is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Oconomowoc spend roughly 14% of their income on rent, less than the 18.4% in Wausau.