South Milwaukee, WI vs Wausau, WI

Wausau is moderately more affordable than South Milwaukee, with a 11.8% lower cost of living index. South Milwaukee scores 82 compared to 73 for Wausau, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of South Milwaukee can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in South Milwaukee is $1,014/month compared to $950/month in Wausau — a 7% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Wausau is more affordable at $155,900 median vs $216,400.

Median household income in South Milwaukee is $70,146 compared to $61,877 in Wausau (+13.4%). While South Milwaukee is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of South Milwaukee spend roughly 17.3% of their income on rent, less than the 18.4% in Wausau.