B
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
15%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Waukesha Wisconsin National
Cost of living10596100
Goods & Services9997100
Groceries10399100
Health care111112100
Housing11588100
Transportation9998100
Utilities105102100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Waukesha, WI

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Waukesha? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Waukesha stands at 105, making it 5% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

The cost of living in Waukesha is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, goods and services and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

Is Waukesha Affordable?

Is Waukesha affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Waukesha, for instance, where the median home price falls 21.1% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 0.5% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Waukesha flaunting a median household income of $65,688, 18.7% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Waukesha?

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Waukesha, the utilities index stands at 5.1% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Waukesha, healthcare costs are 10.5% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday goods and services, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Waukesha, the standard sales tax rate starts at 5%, and the income tax rates commence at 3.54%.

Where is the Data From?

The Waukesha cost of living data you see above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, providing a practical and accurate means of comparing living expenses in urban areas. Updated quarterly, this index gathers data from over 300 independent researchers, covering more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. These selections are made meticulously to represent a wide range of consumer expenditure categories. The weightings applied to cost differences are based on government survey data that tracks spending patterns among professional and executive households. It's important to note that while the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes factors tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Waukesha is 10% higher than the Wisconsin average
  • The cost of living in Waukesha is 5% higher than the national average
  • Waukesha housing is 15% higher than the national average
  • Wisconsin general sales tax is 2% lower than the national average
  • Wisconsin state income tax is 36% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Waukesha

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Compare Waukesha, WI Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$91,990$7,666$2,146$2,760
      Renters$38,735$3,228$904$1,162
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Waukesha, WI, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Waukesha, homeowners have a median income of $91,990. Using that number, a maximum of $2,146 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $38,735, which means there is a maximum of $904 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      Wisconsin Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Wisconsin 5% 6.75%

      Wisconsin Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Wisconsin 3.54% 7.65%

      Goods & Services

      Item Waukesha National avg. Difference
      Haircut $20.21$24.2616.7%
      Beauty Salon $33.25$45.5627.0%
      Toothpaste $3.66$3.701.1%
      Shampoo $1.07$1.2816.6%
      Movie $10.26$12.1315.5%
      Bowling $10.03$18.0044.3%

      Groceries

      Item Waukesha National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $6.05$5.843.5%
      Fried Chicken $1.46$1.577.3%
      Milk $4.55$4.672.7%
      Potatoes $4.10$4.9317.0%
      Pizza $11.33$12.096.3%
      Beer $8.52$10.4118.2%

      Health Care

      Item Waukesha National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $278.65$125.68121.7%
      Doctor $223.73$135.7864.8%
      Dentist $106.79$113.295.7%
      Ibuprofen $10.29$10.653.4%
      Lipitor $469.65$468.600.2%

      Housing

      Item Waukesha National avg. Difference
      Home Price $223,600.00$184,700.0021.1%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,879.64$2,346.6919.9%
      Apartment Rent $954.00$949.000.5%

      Transportation

      Item Waukesha National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.30$3.464.5%
      Tire Balancing $44.14$59.9226.3%

      Utilities

      Item Waukesha National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $182.69$193.995.8%
      Phone $185.79$192.253.4%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      West Milwaukee, WI4,128945.7%
      West Allis, WI59,861964.4%
      Lannon, WI1,184964.2%
      Butler, WI1,964982.0%
      Brown Deer, WI11,987991.0%
      Waukesha, WI72,4191055.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Kissimmee, FL72,4101022.2%
      New Britain, CT72,5431033.2%
      Lafayette, IN72,556918.8%
      Albany, GA72,6348514.7%
      Turlock, CA72,71512626.0%
      Waukesha, WI72,4191055.2%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.