Wauwatosa, WI

Average · 100

Wisconsin · Population 47,718 · Updated March 2026

$1,373
Median Rent / Month
$93,859
Median Income
$307,600
Median Home Value
$1,549
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Wauwatosa

17.6%
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

$16,476
Annual Rent
$7,180
State Income Tax
$4,952
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Wauwatosa has a cost of living close to the national average, offering a balanced mix of expenses and amenities. With a cost index of 100 (where 100 equals the national median), Wauwatosa residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,373/month while earning a median household income of $93,859/year.

The median home value in Wauwatosa, WI is $307,600, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,549 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 17.6% 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 Wauwatosa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Wauwatosa

What is the cost of living in Wauwatosa, WI?
The cost of living index in Wauwatosa, WI is 100 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,373, median household income is $93,859/year, and the median home value is $307,600.
Is Wauwatosa, WI affordable?
No, Wauwatosa is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 100. The rent-to-income ratio is 17.6%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Wauwatosa, WI?
The median gross rent in Wauwatosa, WI is $1,373 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $16,476.
What is the median household income in Wauwatosa?
The median household income in Wauwatosa, WI is $93,859 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%.