Waunakee, WI

Above Avg · 121

Wisconsin · Population 14,927 · Updated March 2026

$1,236
Median Rent / Month
$128,750
Median Income
$490,300
Median Home Value
$1,838
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Waunakee

11.5%
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

$14,832
Annual Rent
$9,849
State Income Tax
$7,894
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Waunakee has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 121 (where 100 equals the national median), Waunakee residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,236/month while earning a median household income of $128,750/year.

The median home value in Waunakee, WI is $490,300, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,838 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 11.5% 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 Waunakee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Waunakee

What is the cost of living in Waunakee, WI?
The cost of living index in Waunakee, WI is 121 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,236, median household income is $128,750/year, and the median home value is $490,300.
Is Waunakee, WI affordable?
No, Waunakee is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 121. The rent-to-income ratio is 11.5%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Waunakee, WI?
The median gross rent in Waunakee, WI is $1,236 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $14,832.
What is the median household income in Waunakee?
The median household income in Waunakee, WI is $128,750 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%.