Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Wausau, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 10.5% more expensive than Wausau, WI. This translates to spending an extra $789 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Wausau, WI?

If you earn $150,000 in Wausau, WI, you'd need approximately $159,462.049 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Wausau, WI and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 26.5% more expensive than in Wausau, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $873/month in Wausau, WI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Wausau, WI to Phoenix, AZ?

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $789 more per month than Wausau, WI, or $9462 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Wausau, WI vs Phoenix, AZ: 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 $789/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $159.5K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↑ 10.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$789

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$9.5K

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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:111

Median Home:$414K

Wausau, WI

The Badger State

40K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Wausau, WI vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Wausau, WI	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,205/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $584more	26.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,251/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $238more	19.0%
🏥Healthcare	$678/mo	$589/mo	↓ $89.18less	13.2%
📦Other	$1,593/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $84.35more	5.3%
⚡All Utilities	$479/mo	$561/mo	↑ $81.94more	17.1%
🛒Groceries	$905/mo	$963/mo	↑ $58.62more	6.5%

🏠Housing

↑ 26.5%

Wausau, WI

$2,205

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$584

🚗Transportation

↑ 19.0%

Wausau, WI

$1,251

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$238

🏥Healthcare

↓ 13.2%

Wausau, WI

$678

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$89.18

less

📦Other

↑ 5.3%

Wausau, WI

$1,593

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$84.35

⚡All Utilities

↑ 17.1%

Wausau, WI

$479

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$81.94

🛒Groceries

↑ 6.5%

Wausau, WI

$905

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$58.62

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$605

To$1,390

↑ $785

1 Bed

From$677

To$1,510

↑ $833

2 Bed

From$873

To$1,750

↑ $877

3 Bed

From$1,149

To$2,330

↑ $1,181

Wausau, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$910/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$957

Difference

Home Values

Wausau

Phoenix

$230K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +7.7%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +45.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$221K - $240K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 80% more expensive than Wausau

Calculate payment - Wausau Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$301

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.4%

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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Wausau, WI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.6%

Property Tax:1.8%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.