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)
$26.5K$26.5K
$25.0K$25.0K
$26.5K$26.5K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$164$164
$119$119
$228$228
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$49.02$49.02
$35.66$35.66
$102$102
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$64.7$64.7
$50.7$50.7
$101$101
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$29.66$29.66
$17.30$17.30
$49.44$49.44
Cinema Ticket
$6.05$6.05
$6.05$6.05
$17.64$17.64
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$1,794$1,794
$1,794$1,794
$2,265$2,265
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$24.4K$24.4K
$24.4K$24.4K
$24.4K$24.4K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$25.07$25.07
$12.03$12.03
$100$100
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$45.03$45.03
$24.74$24.74
$49.49$49.49
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$65.7$65.7
$45.49$45.49
$152$152
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$86.2$86.2
$54.8$54.8
$203$203
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$921$921
$847$847
$996$996
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$711$711
$508$508
$914$914
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$1,582$1,582
$1,456$1,456
$1,707$1,707
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$1,371$1,371
$1,218$1,218
$1,523$1,523
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$1,680$1,680
$1,584$1,584
$1,734$1,734
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$1,692$1,692
$1,595$1,595
$1,746$1,746
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$3,500$3,500
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
6.55
6.19
7
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update: June 1, 2026
Cost Breakdown
🏠Expect to pay about $921 for a central one-bedroom, or $711 outside the center. At 26% of the average salary ($3,500), housing is the biggest financial pressure.
💰Average take-home pay sits at $3,500, while typical expenses reach $1,745. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.
🛒Expect to spend about $297 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $65.0 for two.
Cost Highlights
⭐Milk is cheaper than 93% of cities in North America
⭐Chicken fillets is cheaper than 91% of cities in North America
Wausau, WI Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)
Mobile
Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
Fixed Broadband
Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Low risk of other local infectious diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Tick-borne encephalitis, Leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and Sleeping sickness
Popular online taxi apps offering convenient, cashless rides in many countries, including Uber, Bolt, Grab, inDrive, DiDi, Careem, Gojek, Maxim, and Yango
English is commonly used in services, signage, and daily life
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 $1,745 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 $1,745 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 $3,500 take-home, most residents in Wausau, WI can cover the $1,745 monthly cost of living. Those earning $2,618 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 $921; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $711. Overall, the market runs from $711 to $921 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
What is a typical grocery budget in Wausau, WI?
Expect to spend around $297 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 $29.66 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 $1,745. 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 $1,745 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 $1,745, so putting money aside takes more than $2,618 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.
Wausau, WI vs other spots: cost of living compared