Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Wausau, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 6.8% cheaper than Wausau, WI. This translates to saving $513 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in Wausau, WI?

If you earn $150,000 in Wausau, WI, you'd need approximately $143,848.82 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Wausau, WI and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 11.6% cheaper than in Wausau, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $873/month in Wausau, WI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Wausau, WI to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from Wausau, WI to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $513 per month, or $6151 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Wausau, WI vs Indianapolis, IN: 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 save $513/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $143.8K in Indianapolis, IN

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

Overall Cost

↓ 6.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$513

Savings

Annual Impact

$6.2K

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

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:93

Median Home:$176K

Wausau, WI

The Badger State

40K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Indianapolis, IN

The Hoosier State

888K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Indiana, this city has a population of 888K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Wausau, WI vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Wausau, WI	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,205/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $256less	11.6%
🏥Healthcare	$678/mo	$582/mo	↓ $95.38less	14.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,251/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $62.89less	5.0%
⚡All Utilities	$479/mo	$503/mo	↑ $23.47more	4.9%
🛒Groceries	$905/mo	$919/mo	↑ $14.65more	1.6%
📦Other	$1,593/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $2.70less	0.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 11.6%

Wausau, WI

$2,205

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$256

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.1%

Wausau, WI

$678

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$95.38

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 5.0%

Wausau, WI

$1,251

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$62.89

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 4.9%

Wausau, WI

$479

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$23.47

🛒Groceries

↑ 1.6%

Wausau, WI

$905

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$14.65

📦Other

↓ 0.2%

Wausau, WI

$1,593

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$2.70

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Indianapolis, IN: Marion County Income Tax$3,030/yr (2.0%)

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$1,030

↑ $425

1 Bed

From$677

To$1,170

↑ $493

2 Bed

From$873

To$1,360

↑ $487

3 Bed

From$1,149

To$1,760

↑ $611

Wausau, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$910/mo

Indianapolis, INZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$1,870/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

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$379

Difference

Home Values

Wausau

Indianapolis

$230K

Median Value

$176K

↑ +7.7%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +45.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$221K - $240K

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 24% less expensive than Wausau

Calculate payment - Wausau Calculate payment - Indianapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$334

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.7%

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

Indianapolis, IN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Indiana State Tax

Effective: 3.2%

$4.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.9%

$41.9K

Take-Home Pay

$9,012/month

$108.1K

Additional Tax Information

Wausau, WI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.6%

Property Tax:1.8%

Indianapolis, IN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 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.