Is Denver, CO cheaper than Wausau, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 17.8% more expensive than Wausau, WI. This translates to spending an extra $1335 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Wausau, WI?

If you earn $150,000 in Wausau, WI, you'd need approximately $166,015.75 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Wausau, WI and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 47.3% more expensive than in Wausau, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $873/month in Wausau, WI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Wausau, WI to Denver, CO?

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $1335 more per month than Wausau, WI, or $16016 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Wausau, WI vs Denver, CO: 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 $1.3K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $166.0K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↑ 17.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,335

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$16.0K

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

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:118

Median Home:$513K

Wausau, WI

The Badger State

40K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Wausau, WI vs Denver, CO

Category	Wausau, WI	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,205/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $1,044more	47.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,251/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $210more	16.8%
📦Other	$1,593/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $181more	11.4%
🛒Groceries	$905/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $125more	13.8%
🏥Healthcare	$678/mo	$632/mo	↓ $45.81less	6.8%
⚡All Utilities	$479/mo	$519/mo	↑ $39.87more	8.3%

🏠Housing

↑ 47.3%

Wausau, WI

$2,205

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$1,044

🚗Transportation

↑ 16.8%

Wausau, WI

$1,251

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$210

📦Other

↑ 11.4%

Wausau, WI

$1,593

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$181

🛒Groceries

↑ 13.8%

Wausau, WI

$905

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$125

🏥Healthcare

↓ 6.8%

Wausau, WI

$678

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$45.81

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 8.3%

Wausau, WI

$479

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$39.87

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

Wausau, WI has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$605

To$1,720

↑ $1,115

1 Bed

From$677

To$1,840

↑ $1,163

2 Bed

From$873

To$2,190

↑ $1,317

3 Bed

From$1,149

To$2,870

↑ $1,721

Wausau, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$910/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$1,554

Difference

Home Values

Wausau

Denver

$230K

Median Value

$513K

↑ +7.7%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +45.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$221K - $240K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 122% more expensive than Wausau

Calculate payment - Wausau Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$187

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.5%

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

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Wausau, WI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.6%

Property Tax:1.8%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 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.