Median rent is 34% lower in Waukesha ($1,183/mo vs $1,781/mo). Buying is cheaper in Waukesha, where the median home runs $286,600 versus $327,700. Households earn more in Waukesha ($81,651 vs $78,137 a year). Taken together, Port St. Lucie is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 94.9 against 95.1 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Waukesha, WI.
City A
Port St. Lucie, FL
City B
Waukesha, WI
How much would you need to earn in Waukesha, WI to maintain your standard of living from Port St. Lucie, FL?
Equivalent salary in Waukesha, WI
$75,167
You'd need $167 more (0% higher).
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
Port St. Lucie
Florida
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 $1,781/mo in Port St. Lucie, a 34% difference. Median home values are within 13% of each other: $327,700 in Port St. Lucie and $286,600 in Waukesha.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Florida has no state income tax, while Wisconsin tops out at 7.65% — giving Port St. Lucie a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Florida and 5.00% in Wisconsin; Waukesha has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Port St. Lucie
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Waukesha
Income tax: 7.65%
Sales tax: 5.00%
Air quality data is available for Port St. Lucie (avg AQI 22.0) but not yet for Waukesha.
Pick Waukesha if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,183/mo median).
Pick Port St. Lucie if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Port St. Lucie cheaper than Waukesha?
Port St. Lucie is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 94.9 versus 95.1 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Port St. Lucie.
How much is rent in Port St. Lucie vs Waukesha?
Median rent is $1,781/mo in Port St. Lucie, FL and $1,183/mo in Waukesha, WI. Waukesha, WI has the lower rent by about 34%.
Which has higher salaries — Port St. Lucie or Waukesha?
Median household income is $78,137 in Port St. Lucie, FL 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 — Port St. Lucie or Waukesha?
Florida has no state income tax. Wisconsin has a top rate of 7.65%.
What salary do I need in Waukesha to match my Port St. Lucie income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Port St. Lucie, FL is equivalent to roughly $100,222 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