Onalaska, WI vs Wausau, WI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Wausau is 19.7% cheaper than Onalaska. With a cost index of 73 vs 88, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Wausau 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 $950/month in Wausau — a 15% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Wausau is more affordable at $155,900 median vs $279,100.

Median household income in Onalaska is $84,898 compared to $61,877 in Wausau (+37.2%). 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 18.4% in Wausau.