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

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $1,708 monthly including rent, or $758 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $2,700 with rent, or $1,463 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $3,691 including rent, or $2,168 for daily expenses alone.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$18.59 $18.59

$12.06 $12.06

$40.20 $40.20

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$64.1 $64.1

$39.47 $39.47

$79.0 $79.0

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$8.70 $8.70

$8.19 $8.19

$12.29 $12.29

Cappuccino

$4.93 $4.93

$3.94 $3.94

$5.91 $5.91

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

$2.92 $2.92

$2.72 $2.72

$3.89 $3.89

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.96 $1.96

$1.71 $1.71

$2.93 $2.93

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.05 $5.05

$4.04 $4.04

$7.07 $7.07

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.61 $5.61

$4.08 $4.08

$8.16 $8.16

Milk (1 liter)

$0.82 $0.82

$0.73 $0.73

$1.04 $1.04

White Bread (500g)

$2.89 $2.89

$1.69 $1.69

$11.25 $11.25

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.39 $4.39

$1.72 $1.72

$8.62 $8.62

Eggs

$4.34 $4.34

$1.93 $1.93

$6.11 $6.11

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.97 $8.97

$6.73 $6.73

$13.46 $13.46

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$6.52 $6.52

$4.56 $4.56

$15.21 $15.21

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.53 $13.53

$8.66 $8.66

$18.40 $18.40

Apples (1kg)

$4.32 $4.32

$2.25 $2.25

$9.02 $9.02

Banana (1kg)

$1.17 $1.17

$0.90 $0.90

$4.52 $4.52

Oranges (1kg)

$3.98 $3.98

$2.23 $2.23

$6.71 $6.71

Tomato (1kg)

$4.10 $4.10

$2.10 $2.10

$6.18 $6.18

Potato (1kg)

$1.82 $1.82

$1.07 $1.07

$4.39 $4.39

Onion (1kg)

$2.09 $2.09

$1.48 $1.48

$6.44 $6.44

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.00 $2.00

$1.33 $1.33

$3.06 $3.06

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.01 $1.01

$3.04 $3.04

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$8.49 $8.49

$7.85 $7.85

$11.43 $11.43

Wine (Bottle)

$9.21 $9.21

$50.2 $50.2

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.79 $1.79

$0.97 $0.97

$2.77 $2.77

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.27 $2.27

$1.51 $1.51

$5.05 $5.05

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.03 $2.03

$1.27 $1.27

$2.03 $2.03

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.87 $2.87

$4.62 $4.62

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.57 $1.57

$2.76 $2.76

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$20.96 $20.96

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.79 $0.79

$0.71 $0.71

$0.92 $0.92

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

$30.2K $30.2K

$23.3K $23.3K

$35.8K $35.8K

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

$25.9K $25.9K

$24.5K $24.5K

$25.9K $25.9K

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

$167 $167

$121 $121

$232 $232

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

$47.41 $47.41

$34.49 $34.49

$98.6 $98.6

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$62.5 $62.5

$49.04 $49.04

$98.1 $98.1

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$30.35 $30.35

$17.70 $17.70

$50.6 $50.6

Cinema Ticket

$6.12 $6.12

$17.83 $17.83

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

$1,819 $1,819

$2,297 $2,297

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$24.6K $24.6K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$24.78 $24.78

$11.89 $11.89

$99.1 $99.1

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$44.66 $44.66

$24.54 $24.54

$49.08 $49.08

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$66.2 $66.2

$45.84 $45.84

$153 $153

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$86.5 $86.5

$55.0 $55.0

$204 $204

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$938 $938

$862 $862

$1,015 $1,015

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$702 $702

$502 $502

$903 $903

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,600 $1,600

$1,473 $1,473

$1,727 $1,727

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,337 $1,337

$1,188 $1,188

$1,485 $1,485

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,685 $1,685

$1,588 $1,588

$1,739 $1,739

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,702 $1,702

$1,605 $1,605

$1,757 $1,757

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,515 $3,515

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: April 22, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $938 for a central one-bedroom, or $702 outside the center. At around 27% of the average salary ($3,515), rent noticeably above the typical 30% rent-to-income guideline.

Average take-home pay sits at $3,515, while typical expenses reach $1,708. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.

Expect to spend about $299 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $64 for two.

Public transport is priced at around $0 per month.

Cost Highlights

Milk is cheaper than 92% of cities in North America

Preschool or kindergarten, full day, private, 1 child is more expensive than 90% of cities in North America

Gasoline is cheaper than 90% of cities in North America

Wausau, WI Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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.

At around $1,708 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.

Everyday life in Wausau, WI is moderately priced at about $1,708 per month, rent included. Groceries and transport stay reasonable, though dining out and entertainment can feel a bit pricier than in budget destinations.

At $3,515 take-home, most residents in Wausau, WI can cover the $1,708 monthly cost of living. Those earning $2,563 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.

Where you live in Wausau, WI makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $938; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $702. Overall, the market runs from $702 to $938 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.

Expect to spend around $299 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.

A regular gym membership in Wausau, WI costs around $30.35 monthly. It's a reasonable expense that fits into most budgets, and you generally get decent facilities for the price.

Living on $1,000 in Wausau, WI means careful planning, since monthly costs average $1,708. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.

Retirees thrive in Wausau, WI – living costs average around $1,708 monthly, healthcare is affordable and accessible, and the overall vibe supports a fulfilling, low-stress retirement.

Monthly expenses in Wausau, WI run around $1,708, so putting money aside takes more than $2,563 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.