Cost of Living in Waupaca, WI
Population 6,314 · Wisconsin · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Waupaca a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $178,000. At 7.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Waupaca is about 55 miles west of Green Bay, the nearest large metro. Housing prices track closely with Green Bay's $192,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Waupaca
The median home value in Waupaca is $177,600 — 42% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $748/month, 43% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $52,586/year is 29% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.3%, above the national average of 4.8%. Wisconsin's top state income tax rate is 7.7% and the combined sales tax is 5.4%. The climate averages highs of 55.3°F and lows of 37.3°F. Overall, Waupaca has a cost of living index of 58 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 42% less expensive.
Waupaca has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 26 | 30 | 42 | 55 | 67 | 77 | 81 | 79 | 72 | 59 | 44 | 32 |
| Low °F | 11 | 14 | 24 | 36 | 47 | 57 | 61 | 60 | 51 | 40 | 29 | 18 |
| Precip" | 1.11 | 0.83 | 1.74 | 2.89 | 3.60 | 4.65 | 3.69 | 3.20 | 3.00 | 2.76 | 1.82 | 1.27 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Waupaca, WI?
Waupaca has a cost index of 58 (100 = national average). It is 42% below the national average.
What is average rent in Waupaca, WI?
The median gross rent in Waupaca is $748 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Waupaca?
The median home value in Waupaca is $177,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Waupaca?
The median household income in Waupaca is $52,586 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Waupaca, WI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Waupaca is 5.4%. The Wisconsin state income tax top rate is 7.7%.
Is Waupaca, WI affordable?
Yes, Waupaca is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 58 — about 42% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Waupaca?
Waupaca has average high temperatures of 55.3°F and average lows of 37.3°F. Annual precipitation is 30.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Waupaca at a Glance
- Population
- 6,314
- Median Income
- $52,586
- Home Value
- $177,600
- Median Rent
- $748/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 55.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.4%
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Wisconsin Rankings
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