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Cost of Living in Waukesha County

Is it better to rent or buy in Waukesha County? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$110,384
$1,460/mo

Median in area: $1,460

$407,483

Median in area: $407,483

$81,497

If you Rent

🔑
$1,665 /mo
Base Rent$1,460
Est. Utilities$205
% of Income18.1%
Pre-tax Residual$7,534

If you Buy

🏠
$2,832 /mo
P&I (6.954%)$2,159
Taxes & Ins$468
Est. Utilities$205
% of Income30.8%
Pre-tax Residual$6,367

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Waukesha County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyWalworth County, WI
$1,161/mo
countyRacine County, WI
$1,143/mo
countyWashington County, WI
$1,241/mo
countyMilwaukee County, WI
$1,156/mo
countyJefferson County, WI
$1,055/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Waukesha County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Waukesha County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,665, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $2,832 per month (a difference of $1,167).

How much do utilities cost in Waukesha County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Waukesha County is approximately $205. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Waukesha County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Waukesha County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $66,600 per year.