Last update: Oct 2026 United States 38.4K

Cost of Living in Wausau, WI

For one person, living costs in Wausau, WI are estimated at $1,756 a month, including rent and utilities – 36% below the national average. Rent and utilities take about half of the total.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Wausau, WI

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Wausau, WI actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

Living costs for one person come to about $1,756 monthly including rent, or $896 excluding housing.

$1,756 /mo

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $2,748 with rent, or $1,557 without housing.

$2,748 /mo

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $3,740 including rent, or $2,219 for daily expenses alone.

$3,740 /mo
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$20.20 $20.20
$12.12 $12.12
$34.34 $34.34
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$74.5 $74.5
$44.70 $44.70
$119 $119
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$8.58 $8.58
$8.08 $8.08
$15.15 $15.15
Cappuccino
$5.01 $5.01
$4.06 $4.06
$8.12 $8.12
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.84 $2.84
$2.04 $2.04
$3.82 $3.82
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.02 $2.02
$1.51 $1.51
$3.02 $3.02
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$5.62 $5.62
$4.08 $4.08
$7.15 $7.15
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.60 $5.60
$4.07 $4.07
$8.15 $8.15
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.83 $0.83
$0.76 $0.76
$1.13 $1.13
White Bread (500g)
$2.76 $2.76
$1.72 $1.72
$10.75 $10.75
Rice (white) (1kg)
$5.31 $5.31
$2.81 $2.81
$8.99 $8.99
Eggs
$4.44 $4.44
$2.60 $2.60
$5.84 $5.84
Local Cheese (1kg)
$8.65 $8.65
$6.48 $6.48
$13.29 $13.29
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.49 $6.49
$6.47 $6.47
$15.15 $15.15
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$13.53 $13.53
$8.66 $8.66
$18.40 $18.40
Apples (1kg)
$4.13 $4.13
$2.15 $2.15
$6.47 $6.47
Banana (1kg)
$1.45 $1.45
$1.05 $1.05
$4.29 $4.29
Oranges (1kg)
$3.83 $3.83
$2.15 $2.15
$6.46 $6.46
Tomato (1kg)
$4.13 $4.13
$2.15 $2.15
$6.23 $6.23
Potato (1kg)
$1.78 $1.78
$1.05 $1.05
$2.95 $2.95
Onion (1kg)
$2.44 $2.44
$1.73 $1.73
$3.13 $3.13
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.21 $2.21
$1.87 $1.87
$2.97 $2.97
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.03 $1.03
$1.03 $1.03
$3.07 $3.07
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$8.35 $8.35
$7.73 $7.73
$11.26 $11.26
Wine (Bottle)
$8.96 $8.96
$8.96 $8.96
$48.80 $48.80
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.98 $1.98
$0.98 $0.98
$2.81 $2.81
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.21 $2.21
$1.47 $1.47
$4.90 $4.90
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.72 $2.72
$2.72 $2.72
$4.37 $4.37
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.62 $1.62
$1.62 $1.62
$2.84 $2.84
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$21.12 $21.12
$21.12 $21.12
$21.12 $21.12
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.81 $0.81
$0.70 $0.70
$1.11 $1.11
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$33.5K $33.5K
$26.8K $26.8K
$35.4K $35.4K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$25.7K $25.7K
$25.2K $25.2K
$26.2K $26.2K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$160 $160
$122 $122
$254 $254
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$66.5 $66.5
$34.37 $34.37
$115 $115
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$71.3 $71.3
$49.94 $49.94
$99.9 $99.9
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$30.10 $30.10
-
Cinema Ticket
$6.03 $6.03
$6.03 $6.03
$17.57 $17.57
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,855 $1,855
$1,855 $1,855
$2,342 $2,342
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$24.7K $24.7K
$24.7K $24.7K
$24.7K $24.7K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$25.25 $25.25
$25.25 $25.25
$101 $101
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$40.16 $40.16
$24.58 $24.58
$49.16 $49.16
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$64.0 $64.0
$64.0 $64.0
$98.5 $98.5
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$84.8 $84.8
$84.8 $84.8
$150 $150
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$939 $939
$863 $863
$1,015 $1,015
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$699 $699
$500 $500
$899 $899
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,548 $1,548
$1,425 $1,425
$1,671 $1,671
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,361 $1,361
$1,180 $1,180
$1,476 $1,476
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,774 $1,774
$1,718 $1,718
$1,825 $1,825
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,809 $1,809
$1,751 $1,751
$1,860 $1,860
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$3,488 $3,488
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.65
6
7.58

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

Last update: October 19, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Wausau, WI $1,756
Accommodation & Living
$699
Eating Out
$306
Groceries & Markets
$303
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$298
Clothing & Footwear
$96
Sport & Entertainment
$42
Getting Around
$11 *

Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $939 for a central one-bedroom, or $699 outside the center. At 27% of the average salary ($3,488), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $3,488, while typical expenses reach $1,756. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.

Expect to spend about $303 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $75.0 for two.

Cost Highlights

Gasoline is cheaper than 98% of cities in North America

Chicken fillets is cheaper than 91% of cities in North America

Good to know
🕒 Local time
22:15 10:15 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
38,435
💱 Currency
📈 Exchange rate
Exchange rates and currency converter

EUR to USD – United States Dollar Converter

United States Dollar exchange rates as of October 22, 2026: 1 EUR = 1.12 USD (1 USD = 0.89 EUR).

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Wausau, WI Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

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Mbps
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Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

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The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Wausau, WI - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wausau a good-value base for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does it stack up against larger cities?
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.
What does daily life look like: housing search, food options, transport, coworking, and errands in Wausau?
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.
What about quality of life, budgeting frameworks, ways to save, seasonality, neighborhood fit?
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.
Is Wausau, WI worth the cost of living?
At around $1,756 monthly all-in, Wausau, WI offers decent value. It's not the cheapest and not the priciest – a good fit for people who want city convenience without capital-level costs.
Is Wausau, WI expensive to live in?
Everyday life in Wausau, WI is moderately priced at about $1,756 per month, rent included. Groceries and transport stay reasonable, though dining out and entertainment can feel a bit pricier than in budget destinations.
Can you save money on an average salary in Wausau, WI?
At $3,488 take-home, most residents in Wausau, WI can cover the $1,756 monthly cost of living. Those earning $2,633 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
What are typical rents in Wausau, WI?
Where you live in Wausau, WI makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $939; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $699. Overall, the market runs from $699 to $939 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
What is a typical grocery budget in Wausau, WI?
Expect to spend around $303 per month on groceries in Wausau, WI. Neither cheap nor expensive by global standards – everyday items are fairly priced, though imported or specialty products cost more.
How expensive is a gym membership in Wausau, WI?
A regular gym membership in Wausau, WI costs around $30.10 monthly. It's a reasonable expense that fits into most budgets, and you generally get decent facilities for the price.
Can a person live on $2,000 monthly in Wausau, WI?
Living on $2,000 in Wausau, WI means careful planning, since monthly costs average $1,756. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
Can you retire comfortably in Wausau, WI?
Retirees thrive in Wausau, WI – living costs average around $1,756 monthly, healthcare is affordable and accessible, and the overall vibe supports a fulfilling, low-stress retirement.
Can you save money living in Wausau, WI?
Monthly expenses in Wausau, WI run around $1,756, so putting money aside takes more than $2,633 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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