Onalaska, WI vs Wauwatosa, WI

Onalaska is moderately more affordable than Wauwatosa, with a 12.5% lower cost of living index. Onalaska scores 88 compared to 100 for Wauwatosa, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Wauwatosa can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Onalaska is $1,096/month compared to $1,373/month in Wauwatosa — a 20% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Onalaska is more affordable at $279,100 median vs $307,600.

Median household income in Onalaska is $84,898 compared to $93,859 in Wauwatosa (-9.5%). The higher salaries in Wauwatosa partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Onalaska spend roughly 15.5% of their income on rent, less than the 17.6% in Wauwatosa.