Racine, WI vs Wauwatosa, WI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Racine is 24.2% cheaper than Wauwatosa. With a cost index of 76 vs 100, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Racine to Wauwatosa should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Racine is $983/month compared to $1,373/month in Wauwatosa — a 28% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Racine is more affordable at $158,100 median vs $307,600.

Median household income in Racine is $55,705 compared to $93,859 in Wauwatosa (-40.7%). While Wauwatosa is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Racine spend roughly 21.2% of their income on rent, more than the 17.6% in Wauwatosa.