Safe Rate Local

Cost of Living in Wausau

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

← Back to Wausau Hub

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

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

$81,197
$982/mo

Median in area: $982

$220,428

Median in area: $220,428

$44,086

If you Rent

🔑
$1,176 /mo
Base Rent$982
Est. Utilities$194
% of Income17.4%
Pre-tax Residual$5,590

If you Buy

🏠
$1,633 /mo
P&I (6.5%)$1,115
Taxes & Ins$324
Est. Utilities$194
% of Income24.1%
Pre-tax Residual$5,134

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Wausau?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Wausau. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,176, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,633 per month (a difference of $457).

How much do utilities cost in Wausau?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Wausau is approximately $194. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Wausau?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Wausau without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $47,040 per year.