Onalaska, WI vs Waupaca, WI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Waupaca is 25.1% cheaper than Onalaska. With a cost index of 70 vs 88, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Waupaca to Onalaska should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Onalaska is $1,096/month compared to $748/month in Waupaca — a 47% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waupaca is more affordable at $177,600 median vs $279,100.

Median household income in Onalaska is $84,898 compared to $52,586 in Waupaca (+61.4%). While Onalaska is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Onalaska spend roughly 15.5% of their income on rent, less than the 17.1% in Waupaca.