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

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $793 (excluding rent), and $1,710 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,984 (excluding rent), and $3,553 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$18.22 $18.22

$11.82 $11.82

$39.38 $39.38

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$65.7 $65.7

$40.44 $40.44

$80.9 $80.9

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$8.27 $8.27

$7.79 $7.79

$11.68 $11.68

Cappuccino

$4.99 $4.99

$3.99 $3.99

$5.99 $5.99

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

$2.93 $2.93

$2.74 $2.74

$3.91 $3.91

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.95 $1.95

$1.71 $1.71

$2.92 $2.92

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.12 $5.12

$4.09 $4.09

$7.16 $7.16

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.41 $5.41

$3.93 $3.93

$7.87 $7.87

Milk (1 liter)

$0.87 $0.87

$0.77 $0.77

$1.11 $1.11

White Bread (500g)

$2.85 $2.85

$1.66 $1.66

$11.10 $11.10

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.54 $4.54

$1.78 $1.78

$8.92 $8.92

Eggs

$4.15 $4.15

$1.85 $1.85

$5.85 $5.85

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.80 $8.80

$6.60 $6.60

$13.20 $13.20

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.53 $6.53

$4.57 $4.57

$15.23 $15.23

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$14.00 $14.00

$8.96 $8.96

$19.04 $19.04

Apples (1kg)

$4.34 $4.34

$2.26 $2.26

$9.06 $9.06

Banana (1kg)

$1.17 $1.17

$0.90 $0.90

$4.52 $4.52

Oranges (1kg)

$3.85 $3.85

$2.16 $2.16

$6.49 $6.49

Tomato (1kg)

$4.10 $4.10

$2.10 $2.10

$6.18 $6.18

Potato (1kg)

$1.80 $1.80

$1.06 $1.06

$4.34 $4.34

Onion (1kg)

$2.19 $2.19

$1.55 $1.55

$6.73 $6.73

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.01 $2.01

$1.34 $1.34

$3.08 $3.08

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.01 $1.01

$3.04 $3.04

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$8.59 $8.59

$7.95 $7.95

$11.58 $11.58

Wine (Bottle)

$8.87 $8.87

$48.27 $48.27

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.82 $1.82

$0.98 $0.98

$2.81 $2.81

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.29 $2.29

$1.53 $1.53

$5.08 $5.08

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.95 $1.95

$1.22 $1.22

$1.95 $1.95

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.72 $2.72

$4.37 $4.37

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.58 $1.58

$2.76 $2.76

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$21.13 $21.13

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.77 $0.77

$0.69 $0.69

$0.90 $0.90

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)

$26.7K $26.7K

$25.2K $25.2K

$26.7K $26.7K

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

$168 $168

$122 $122

$234 $234

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

$47.85 $47.85

$34.81 $34.81

$99.5 $99.5

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$64.6 $64.6

$50.7 $50.7

$101 $101

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$29.89 $29.89

$17.43 $17.43

$49.81 $49.81

Cinema Ticket

$6.03 $6.03

$17.56 $17.56

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

$1,829 $1,829

$2,310 $2,310

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$23.7K $23.7K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$24.66 $24.66

$11.84 $11.84

$98.6 $98.6

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$44.96 $44.96

$24.70 $24.70

$49.41 $49.41

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$64.9 $64.9

$44.95 $44.95

$150 $150

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$85.2 $85.2

$54.1 $54.1

$200 $200

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$936 $936

$860 $860

$1,012 $1,012

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$698 $698

$499 $499

$898 $898

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,563 $1,563

$1,439 $1,439

$1,687 $1,687

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,375 $1,375

$1,222 $1,222

$1,528 $1,528

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,688 $1,688

$1,591 $1,591

$1,742 $1,742

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,657 $1,657

$1,562 $1,562

$1,710 $1,710

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,505 $3,505

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.55

6.19

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

Last update: March 2, 2026

Wausau, WI Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

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 Wausau, WI - Frequently Asked Questions

Compared with major metros, Wausau offers a more relaxed pace and noticeably lower daily costs while still furnishing essential services, outdoor recreation, and a friendly community. The Cost of Living in Wausau, WI, United States centers on affordable housing options, practical groceries, and sensible transportation choices, especially if you drive or bike. Neighborhoods range from walkable downtown to quieter residential zones with easy access to parks and Rib Mountain trails. You’ll appreciate predictable winters without the urban heat of big cities, and entertainment is approachable rather than elite. Tip: Start with a short-term rental to test neighborhoods before committing.

Finding housing is generally straightforward: you’ll find a mix of apartments in walkable blocks and single-family homes on calmer streets. Groceries and casual dining offer value, with local markets and family-owned spots alongside larger chains. For getting around, a car is common, but bike routes and an improving bus network cover most errands. Co-working spaces and cafes with reliable Wi‑Fi support productive days, while weekends invite outdoor recreation. You can test layouts with a short-term rental before committing long-term. The Wausau, WI, United States living cost tends to feel balanced for a Midwest town, with room to save by choosing neighborhood type and season. Tip: test several neighborhoods with a short stay to feel the vibe.

Quality of life here balances outdoor access, community events, and a sensible pace. For budgeting, many nomads use a simple framework – cover essentials first, then discretionary spends – adjusted for heating, groceries, and occasional travel. You’ll find a variety of neighborhoods that fit different vibes: riverside strolls near downtown, quiet tree-lined streets, or hillside views near open space. Seasonal shifts influence activities and prices more than you’d expect: winters demand heating, summers invite festivals and outdoor markets. Practical tips: check long-term lease terms, test commute times during your typical week, and consider proximity to parks and coffee shops to sustain your routine. Tip: prioritize neighborhoods that align with your daily rhythm.