Median rent is 34% lower in Waukesha ($1,183/mo vs $1,779/mo). Buying is cheaper in Waukesha, where the median home runs $286,600 versus $751,700. Households earn more in Waukesha ($81,651 vs $79,713 a year). Taken together, Waukesha is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 95.1 against 113.0 — about 16% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Waukesha, WI.
Quick verdict
Waukesha is 16% cheaper overall
Cost index: 95.1 in Waukesha vs 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
New York, NY
City B
Waukesha, WI
How much would you need to earn in Waukesha, WI to maintain your standard of living from New York, NY?
Equivalent salary in Waukesha, WI
$63,141
You could earn $11,859 less (16% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
New York
New York
Waukesha
Wisconsin
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Waukesha — median rent of $1,183/mo versus $1,779/mo in New York, a 34% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in New York: the median home is $751,700 versus $286,600 in Waukesha — 62% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
New York's top income tax rate is 10.90% versus 7.65% in Wisconsin, so Waukesha is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.00% in New York and 5.00% in Wisconsin; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Waukesha
Income tax: 7.65%
Sales tax: 5.00%
Air quality data is available for New York (avg AQI 61.0) but not yet for Waukesha.
Pick Waukesha if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 95.1 vs 113.0).
Pick Waukesha if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,183/mo median).
Pick Waukesha if you prioritize lower state income tax (7.65%).
Is New York cheaper than Waukesha?
Waukesha is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 95.1 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 16% lower in Waukesha.
How much is rent in New York vs Waukesha?
Median rent is $1,779/mo in New York, NY and $1,183/mo in Waukesha, WI. Waukesha, WI has the lower rent by about 34%.
Which has higher salaries — New York or Waukesha?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York, NY and $81,651 in Waukesha, WI. Waukesha, WI has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — New York or Waukesha?
New York's top income tax rate is 10.90% and Wisconsin's is 7.65%. Waukesha, WI has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Waukesha to match my New York income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in New York, NY is equivalent to roughly $84,188 in Waukesha, WI (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology