Cost of Living in Wausau, WI
Population 39,893 · Wisconsin · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Wausau cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $156,000, rents near $950 a month.
Wausau lies roughly 85 miles west of the nearest major metro, Green Bay — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 19% lower than Green Bay's $192,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Wausau
The median home value in Wausau is $155,900 — 49% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $950/month, 28% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $61,877/year is 17% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.7%, below 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 53.2°F and lows of 34.0°F, with about 64.3" of annual snowfall. Overall, Wausau has a cost of living index of 60 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 40% less expensive.
🏠 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 | 23 | 27 | 40 | 54 | 67 | 76 | 80 | 78 | 70 | 56 | 40 | 28 |
| Low °F | 7 | 10 | 21 | 32 | 45 | 55 | 59 | 57 | 49 | 37 | 25 | 14 |
| Precip" | 1.20 | 1.08 | 1.83 | 3.12 | 3.79 | 4.67 | 3.86 | 4.07 | 3.83 | 3.07 | 1.85 | 1.54 |
| Snow" | 14.8 | 12.7 | 8.3 | 6.5 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.9 | 6.5 | 14.4 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Wausau, WI?
Wausau has a cost index of 60 (100 = national average). It is 40% below the national average.
What is average rent in Wausau, WI?
The median gross rent in Wausau is $950 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Wausau?
The median home value in Wausau is $155,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Wausau?
The median household income in Wausau is $61,877 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Wausau, WI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Wausau is 5.4%. The Wisconsin state income tax top rate is 7.7%.
Is Wausau, WI affordable?
Yes, Wausau is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 60 — about 40% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Wausau?
Wausau has average high temperatures of 53.2°F and average lows of 34.0°F. Annual precipitation is 33.9". Average annual snowfall is 64.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Wausau at a Glance
- Population
- 39,893
- Median Income
- $61,877
- Home Value
- $155,900
- Median Rent
- $950/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 53.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.4%
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Wisconsin Rankings
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