Cost of Living in Waukesha, WI
2026 data for Waukesha, WI • Population: 72,489
+2% more expensive than the US average (100)
1-Bedroom Rent
Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment
2-Bedroom Rent
Average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment
Median Income
Median household income in Waukesha
Population
Estimated population of Waukesha
How Far Does Your Salary Go?
A salary in Waukesha has different purchasing power than the national average. Use the equivalence below to understand what your salary is worth compared to the US average.
Formula: Your salary in Waukesha ÷ COL index × 100 = equivalent national salary. A $49,020 national salary gives you the same purchasing power as $50,000 in Waukesha.
Housing Affordability Analysis
Rent as % of Income
For a 1-bedroom apartment at median income. Experts suggest under 30% is affordable.
Monthly Rent to Income
Ratio of monthly income to monthly 1-bedroom rent.
What is a Cost of Living Index?
A cost of living index measures the relative cost of goods and services in a city compared to a national baseline (set at 100). An index of 150 means the city is 50% more expensive than average. An index of 80 means it's 20% cheaper than average.
The index typically includes housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare—the major expense categories for households.
Compare with Other Cities
See how Waukesha's cost of living stacks up against nearby and similar cities.
Financial Tools to Explore
Use these Pulsafi calculators to plan your finances based on Waukesha's cost of living.
Salary Breakdown Calculator
See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.
Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare the true costs of renting vs buying in your city.
Budget Calculator
Create a personalized budget based on your income and city.
Mortgage Calculator
Calculate monthly mortgage payments and total interest.
Cost of Living Guide for Waukesha, WI
Overview
Waukesha has a cost of living index of 102, making it 2% more expensive than the national average. With a population of 72,489 and a median household income of $68,420, understanding the true cost of living here is essential for financial planning.
Housing Market
The housing market in Waukesha reflects its cost of living index. A one-bedroom apartment averages $1,200 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment costs approximately $1,550 per month. For renters, this typically consumes 21.0% of the median household income—within the recommended 30% threshold.
Income and Affordability
With a median household income of $68,420, Waukesha residents earn slightly above the national median. When factoring in the local cost of living, a salary of $73,529in Waukesha provides the same purchasing power as $75,000 nationally.
Moving to Waukesha
Whether you're relocating for work or considering a move, understanding the cost of living in Waukesha is crucial. Use our calculators to determine if your salary can support your desired lifestyle here. Consider not just rent, but also food, utilities, transportation, and healthcare when budgeting.
Saving and Investing
Once you understand your cost of living in Waukesha, you can better plan your savings and investment strategy. Our financial tools help you determine how much you can realistically save each month and optimize your financial goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cost of Living in Waukesha
How does the cost of living in Waukesha compare to the national average?
Waukesha has a cost of living index of 102, which means it's 2% more expensive than the US average of 100. This affects everything from housing to groceries and utilities.
Is a $73,529 salary good for Waukesha?
A salary in Waukesha has different purchasing power than elsewhere. A $73,529 salary in Waukesha provides the same purchasing power as $75,000 nationally. Compare your salary to the median income of $68,420 to gauge your earning potential.
Can you afford to rent in Waukesha?
With a median household income of $68,420, a one-bedroom apartment averaging $1,200 per month consumes 21.0% of income. Financial experts recommend keeping rent under 30% of gross income—this is within that threshold.
Related Data for Waukesha, WI
Explore take-home pay, affordability, mortgages, and retirement benchmarks around Waukesha's median income.
Take-home pay on $70,000 in Wisconsin
Federal tax, state tax, Social Security, and Medicare breakdown.
What you can afford on $70,000 in Wisconsin
Home price, rent, and monthly spending guidelines.
Tax brackets on $70,000 in Wisconsin
See exactly which federal and state brackets your income crosses.
$250,000 mortgage in Wisconsin
Monthly payment, property tax, and total interest at typical rates.
Retirement at 30 earning $75,000
Benchmarks, projections, and catch-up strategies.
Emergency fund target for $75,000
3, 6, 9, and 12-month targets at your income level.