Waukesha, WI vs West Bend, WI

West Bend is moderately more affordable than Waukesha, with a 9.4% lower cost of living index. Waukesha scores 93 compared to 85 for West Bend, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Waukesha 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 $1,033/month in West Bend — a 15% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: West Bend is more affordable at $244,500 median vs $286,600.

Median household income in Waukesha is $81,651 compared to $75,043 in West Bend (+8.8%). The higher salaries in Waukesha partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Waukesha spend roughly 17.4% of their income on rent, more than the 16.5% in West Bend.