Waukesha, WI

Below Avg · 89

Wisconsin · Population 70,779 · Updated March 2026

$1,183
Median Rent / Month
$81,651
Median Income
$286,600
Median Home Value
$1,340
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Waukesha

17.4%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Wisconsin

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

7.65%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
5.0%
Sales Tax
1.61%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$14,196
Annual Rent
$6,246
State Income Tax
$4,614
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Waukesha offers a below-average cost of living, giving residents more purchasing power compared to many US cities. With a cost index of 89 (where 100 equals the national median), Waukesha residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,183/month while earning a median household income of $81,651/year.

The median home value in Waukesha, WI is $286,600, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,340 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 17.4% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Wisconsin has a moderate income tax rate of 7.65%. Combined with a 5.0% sales tax rate and 1.61% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Waukesha.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Waukesha

What is the cost of living in Waukesha, WI?
The cost of living index in Waukesha, WI is 89 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,183, median household income is $81,651/year, and the median home value is $286,600.
Is Waukesha, WI affordable?
Yes, Waukesha is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 89. The rent-to-income ratio is 17.4%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Waukesha, WI?
The median gross rent in Waukesha, WI is $1,183 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $14,196.
What is the median household income in Waukesha?
The median household income in Waukesha, WI is $81,651 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin has a top income tax rate of 7.65%, a sales tax of 5.0%, and an effective property tax rate of 1.61%.