Pewaukee, WI vs Wausau, WI

The cost of living difference between Pewaukee, WI and Wausau, WI is dramatic. Wausau is 55.6% cheaper than Pewaukee, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Pewaukee has a cost index of 114 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 Pewaukee is $1,485/month compared to $950/month in Wausau — a 56% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Wausau is more affordable at $155,900 median vs $434,700.

Median household income in Pewaukee is $112,093 compared to $61,877 in Wausau (+81.2%). While Pewaukee is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Pewaukee spend roughly 15.9% of their income on rent, less than the 18.4% in Wausau.