Wausau, WI

Very Low · 61

Wisconsin · Population 39,893 · Updated March 2026

$950
Median Rent / Month
$61,877
Median Income
$155,900
Median Home Value
$955
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Wausau

18.4%
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

$11,400
Annual Rent
$4,734
State Income Tax
$2,510
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Wausau is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 61 (where 100 equals the national median), Wausau residents can expect to pay median rent of $950/month while earning a median household income of $61,877/year.

The median home value in Wausau, WI is $155,900, with typical monthly owner costs around $955 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 18.4% 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 Wausau.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Wausau

What is the cost of living in Wausau, WI?
The cost of living index in Wausau, WI is 61 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $950, median household income is $61,877/year, and the median home value is $155,900.
Is Wausau, WI affordable?
Yes, Wausau is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 61. The rent-to-income ratio is 18.4%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Wausau, WI?
The median gross rent in Wausau, WI is $950 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $11,400.
What is the median household income in Wausau?
The median household income in Wausau, WI is $61,877 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%.