Watertown, WI vs Wauwatosa, WI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Watertown is 17.8% cheaper than Wauwatosa. With a cost index of 82 vs 100, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Watertown to Wauwatosa should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Watertown is $1,061/month compared to $1,373/month in Wauwatosa — a 23% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Watertown is more affordable at $211,500 median vs $307,600.

Median household income in Watertown is $68,333 compared to $93,859 in Wauwatosa (-27.2%). 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 Watertown spend roughly 18.6% of their income on rent, more than the 17.6% in Wauwatosa.