Cost of Living in Waukesha, WI - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $962 (excluding rent), and $2,429 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,007 (excluding rent), and $4,645 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$16.20 $16.20

$12.15 $12.15

$28.35 $28.35

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$65.8 $65.8

$40.50 $40.50

$111 $111

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$11.06 $11.06

$9.05 $9.05

$12.07 $12.07

Cappuccino

$5.19 $5.19

$3.53 $3.53

$6.05 $6.05

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.99 $2.99

$2.03 $2.03

$4.06 $4.06

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.23 $2.23

$1.53 $1.53

$3.05 $3.05

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.08 $5.08

$3.05 $3.05

$7.11 $7.11

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.04 $7.04

$5.03 $5.03

$8.05 $8.05

Milk (1 liter)

$0.80 $0.80

$0.51 $0.51

$1.30 $1.30

White Bread (500g)

$3.37 $3.37

$1.68 $1.68

$11.21 $11.21

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.87 $2.87

$1.72 $1.72

$8.60 $8.60

Eggs

$4.30 $4.30

$1.92 $1.92

$6.05 $6.05

Local Cheese (1kg)

$9.01 $9.01

$7.88 $7.88

$13.51 $13.51

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$11.47 $11.47

$4.67 $4.67

$15.55 $15.55

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$15.02 $15.02

$10.80 $10.80

$19.46 $19.46

Apples (1kg)

$5.72 $5.72

$2.21 $2.21

$7.76 $7.76

Banana (1kg)

$1.11 $1.11

$0.86 $0.86

$4.29 $4.29

Oranges (1kg)

$4.31 $4.31

$1.49 $1.49

$6.46 $6.46

Tomato (1kg)

$2.85 $2.85

$2.10 $2.10

$6.20 $6.20

Potato (1kg)

$1.57 $1.57

$0.90 $0.90

$4.50 $4.50

Onion (1kg)

$2.41 $2.41

$0.72 $0.72

$4.37 $4.37

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.73 $1.73

$1.27 $1.27

$2.95 $2.95

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.45 $1.45

$1.01 $1.01

$3.02 $3.02

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$8.66 $8.66

$8.41 $8.41

$11.17 $11.17

Wine (Bottle)

$15.58 $15.58

$12.48 $12.48

$19.98 $19.98

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.68 $1.68

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.98 $1.98

$1.49 $1.49

$4.96 $4.96

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.06 $2.06

$1.29 $1.29

$2.06 $2.06

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.81 $2.81

$4.52 $4.52

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.43 $1.43

$3.18 $3.18

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$21.20 $21.20

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.80 $0.80

$0.70 $0.70

$0.92 $0.92

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$30.5K $30.5K

$23.5K $23.5K

$36.1K $36.1K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$26.1K $26.1K

$24.7K $24.7K

$27.9K $27.9K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$185 $185

$151 $151

$232 $232

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$48.07 $48.07

$24.98 $24.98

$79.9 $79.9

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$62.6 $62.6

$34.35 $34.35

$84.4 $84.4

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$43.60 $43.60

$17.75 $17.75

$50.7 $50.7

Cinema Ticket

$12.17 $12.17

$10.14 $10.14

$21.30 $21.30

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,278 $1,278

$590 $590

$2,260 $2,260

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$24.6K $24.6K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$43.23 $43.23

$12.06 $12.06

$101 $101

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$44.86 $44.86

$24.65 $24.65

$49.29 $49.29

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$76.2 $76.2

$44.75 $44.75

$149 $149

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$88.0 $88.0

$54.3 $54.3

$201 $201

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,621 $1,621

$1,214 $1,214

$1,879 $1,879

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,371 $1,371

$1,013 $1,013

$1,520 $1,520

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,686 $1,686

$1,587 $1,587

$1,786 $1,786

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,214 $2,214

$1,694 $1,694

$2,491 $2,491

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,205 $2,205

$2,053 $2,053

$2,339 $2,339

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,239 $2,239

$2,085 $2,085

$2,376 $2,376

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,188 $4,188

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.53

6.19

6.8

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: January 13, 2026

Waukesha, WI Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

351

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Waukesha, WI - Frequently Asked Questions

Compared to larger metros nearby, Waukesha offers a gentler pace and more predictable expenses. The Cost of Living in Waukesha tends to feel approachable for longer stays, with a range of housing options – from compact apartments to family homes – and services that align with Midwest value. Grocery and dining options cover everyday needs without the city-center premium, while local markets and diners provide affordable choices. Seasonal realities shape utility use, especially in winter. Proximity to Milwaukee adds work and cultural opportunities without the same price spikes. Tip: map a simple monthly budget that prioritizes housing, transit, and utilities first.

On the ground, daily life centers on practical choices: housing search, food, transport, and errands. In Waukesha, you’ll find neighborhood pockets with different vibes – walkable with cafe options or more spread-out suburbs with parks. Look for rental or purchase options near the Fox River or modestly priced neighborhoods inland; car ownership remains common, but local bus routes and bike lanes offer alternatives. Food shops range from big-box groceries to regional markets and farm stands in season. Coworking spaces blend with coffee shops downtown, making it easy to work remotely. Understanding the Waukesha living cost helps you plan between quiet commutes and nightlife or weekend outings. Tip: visit at different times to gauge traffic and vibe.

Quality of life in Waukesha blends safety, community, and outdoor access with a practical cost mindset. Build a simple budgeting framework that prioritizes housing, transportation, and groceries, then earmark funds for seasonal activities such as lake and park recreation. Seek neighborhood fit by visiting at different times of day and week to gauge noise, traffic, and foot traffic around schools and shops. Seasonal considerations – winter heating, summer cooling, and wardrobe needs – shape how you shop and store. For long stays, explore a few core neighborhoods near parks or the river, then widen your search with online listings and local networks. Tip: set up a 2-week trial in a chosen area if possible.