Sparta, WI vs Waterloo, WI

Sparta is moderately more affordable than Waterloo, with a 10.1% lower cost of living index. Sparta scores 73 compared to 81 for Waterloo, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Waterloo can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Sparta is $902/month compared to $974/month in Waterloo — a 7% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Sparta is more affordable at $168,800 median vs $219,100.

Median household income in Sparta is $60,517 compared to $78,103 in Waterloo (-22.5%). 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 Sparta spend roughly 17.9% of their income on rent, more than the 15% in Waterloo.