Portage, WI vs Waterloo, WI

Portage, WI and Waterloo, WI have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.6% difference in their overall index. Portage scores 78 while Waterloo scores 81 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Portage is $963/month compared to $974/month in Waterloo — a 1% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Portage is more affordable at $187,300 median vs $219,100.

Median household income in Portage is $62,785 compared to $78,103 in Waterloo (-19.6%). While Waterloo is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Portage spend roughly 18.4% of their income on rent, more than the 15% in Waterloo.