Is Austin, TX cheaper than Wausau, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 10.3% more expensive than Wausau, WI. This translates to spending an extra $772 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Wausau, WI?

If you earn $150,000 in Wausau, WI, you'd need approximately $159,269.293 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Wausau, WI and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 30.8% more expensive than in Wausau, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $873/month in Wausau, WI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Wausau, WI to Austin, TX?

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $772 more per month than Wausau, WI, or $9269 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Wausau, WI vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Wausau, WI — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Madison, WI area

Current salary in Wausau, WI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $772/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $159.3K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 10.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$772

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$9.3K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Wausau, WI

Population:40K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$230K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:110

Median Home:$558K

Wausau, WI

The Badger State

40K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Wisconsin, this city has a population of 40K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Wausau, WI vs Austin, TX

Category	Wausau, WI	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,205/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $680more	30.8%
📦Other	$1,593/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $148more	9.3%
🏥Healthcare	$678/mo	$589/mo	↓ $89.18less	13.2%
⚡All Utilities	$479/mo	$541/mo	↑ $61.72more	12.9%
🛒Groceries	$905/mo	$959/mo	↑ $54.62more	6.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,251/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $32.73more	2.6%

🏠Housing

↑ 30.8%

Wausau, WI

$2,205

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$680

📦Other

↑ 9.3%

Wausau, WI

$1,593

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$148

🏥Healthcare

↓ 13.2%

Wausau, WI

$678

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$89.18

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 12.9%

Wausau, WI

$479

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$61.72

🛒Groceries

↑ 6.0%

Wausau, WI

$905

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$54.62

🚗Transportation

↑ 2.6%

Wausau, WI

$1,251

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$32.73

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$605

To$1,585

↑ $980

1 Bed

From$677

To$1,685

↑ $1,008

2 Bed

From$873

To$1,995

↑ $1,122

3 Bed

From$1,149

To$2,525

↑ $1,376

Wausau, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$910/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,111

Monthly in Wausau, WI

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$888

Difference

Home Values

Wausau

Austin

$230K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +7.7%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +45.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$221K - $240K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 142% more expensive than Wausau

Calculate payment - Wausau Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $8.8K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$737

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.9%

Rate difference

Wausau, WI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Wisconsin State Tax

Effective: 5.9%

$8.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.6%

$45.9K

Take-Home Pay

$8,678/month

$104.1K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Wausau, WI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.6%

Property Tax:1.8%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.