Waukesha, WI vs Wauwatosa, WI

Waukesha is moderately more affordable than Wauwatosa, with a 7.5% lower cost of living index. Waukesha scores 93 compared to 100 for Wauwatosa, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Wauwatosa can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Waukesha is $1,183/month compared to $1,373/month in Wauwatosa — a 14% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waukesha is more affordable at $286,600 median vs $307,600.

Median household income in Waukesha is $81,651 compared to $93,859 in Wauwatosa (-13%). 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 Waukesha spend roughly 17.4% of their income on rent, less than the 17.6% in Wauwatosa.