Watertown, WI vs Wausau, WI

Wausau is moderately more affordable than Watertown, with a 12.4% lower cost of living index. Watertown scores 82 compared to 73 for Wausau, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Watertown can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Watertown is $1,061/month compared to $950/month in Wausau — a 12% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Wausau is more affordable at $155,900 median vs $211,500.

Median household income in Watertown is $68,333 compared to $61,877 in Wausau (+10.4%). The higher salaries in Watertown partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Watertown spend roughly 18.6% of their income on rent, more than the 18.4% in Wausau.