Watertown, WI vs Waukesha, WI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Watertown is 16.8% cheaper than Waukesha. With a cost index of 82 vs 99, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Watertown to Waukesha should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Watertown is $1,061/month compared to $1,167/month in Waukesha — a 9% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Watertown is more affordable at $211,500 median vs $375,700.

Median household income in Watertown is $68,333 compared to $126,286 in Waukesha (-45.9%). While Waukesha is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Watertown spend roughly 18.6% of their income on rent, more than the 11.1% in Waukesha.