Cost of Living in Wauwatosa, WI

With a cost of living index of 100, Wauwatosa, WI is right around the national average in cost. Living here is 0% more expensive than the national average and 21% above the Wisconsin state average of 79. With a population of 47,718, Wauwatosa is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Wauwatosa's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,373 (4% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $307,600 (1% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.3x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Wauwatosa is $93,859, which is 25% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 18% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Everyday prices in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.