Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Wausau, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 3.9% more expensive than Wausau, WI. This translates to spending an extra $291 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Wausau, WI?

If you earn $150,000 in Wausau, WI, you'd need approximately $153,486.616 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Wausau, WI and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 12.0% more expensive than in Wausau, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $873/month in Wausau, WI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Wausau, WI to Raleigh, NC?

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $291 more per month than Wausau, WI, or $3487 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Wausau, WI vs Raleigh, NC: 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 $291/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.5K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 3.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$291

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$3.5K

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:104

Median Home:$512K

Wausau, WI

The Badger State

40K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Wausau, WI vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Wausau, WI	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,205/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $264more	12.0%
📦Other	$1,593/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $114more	7.2%
🏥Healthcare	$678/mo	$601/mo	↓ $76.79less	11.3%
⚡All Utilities	$479/mo	$546/mo	↑ $67.19more	14.0%
🛒Groceries	$905/mo	$959/mo	↑ $54.62more	6.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,251/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $32.73more	2.6%

🏠Housing

↑ 12.0%

Wausau, WI

$2,205

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$264

📦Other

↑ 7.2%

Wausau, WI

$1,593

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$114

🏥Healthcare

↓ 11.3%

Wausau, WI

$678

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$76.79

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 14.0%

Wausau, WI

$479

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$67.19

🛒Groceries

↑ 6.0%

Wausau, WI

$905

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$54.62

🚗Transportation

↑ 2.6%

Wausau, WI

$1,251

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$32.73

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$605

To$1,570

↑ $965

1 Bed

From$677

To$1,640

↑ $963

2 Bed

From$873

To$1,800

↑ $927

3 Bed

From$1,149

To$2,255

↑ $1,106

Wausau, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$910/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$456

Difference

Home Values

Wausau

Raleigh

$230K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +7.7%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +45.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$221K - $240K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 122% more expensive than Wausau

Calculate payment - Wausau Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.7K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$144

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.1%

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

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Wausau, WI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.6%

Property Tax:1.8%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.