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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Wauwatosa, WI — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Milwaukee, WI area

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.5K/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $167.9K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI area
Overall Cost
↑ 19.9%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,495
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$17.9K
Per year

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

Wauwatosa, WI

Population:47K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$392K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K
Cost Index:120
Median Home:$414K

Wauwatosa, WI

The Badger State

47K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Wisconsin, this city has a population of 47K 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: Wauwatosa, WI vs Phoenix, AZ

🏠Housing
↑ 70.4%
Wauwatosa, WI
$1,637
Phoenix, AZ
$2,788
Difference
$1,152
more
🚗Transportation
↑ 11.9%
Wauwatosa, WI
$1,330
Phoenix, AZ
$1,489
Difference
$159
more
📦Other
↑ 10.4%
Wauwatosa, WI
$1,520
Phoenix, AZ
$1,677
Difference
$158
more
🏥Healthcare
↓ 15.8%
Wauwatosa, WI
$699
Phoenix, AZ
$589
Difference
$110
less
⚡All Utilities
↑ 13.6%
Wauwatosa, WI
$494
Phoenix, AZ
$561
Difference
$67.03
more
🛒Groceries
↑ 3.3%
Wauwatosa, WI
$933
Phoenix, AZ
$963
Difference
$30.48
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$928
To$1,390
↑ $462
1 Bed
From$1,013
To$1,510
↑ $497
2 Bed
From$1,210
To$1,750
↑ $540
3 Bed
From$1,491
To$2,330
↑ $839
Wauwatosa, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,230–$1,290/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.

$6,612
Monthly in Wauwatosa, WI
$8,068
Monthly in Phoenix, AZ
$1,456
Difference

Home Values

Wauwatosa
Phoenix
$392K
Median Value
$414K
↑ +4.2%
YoY Change
↓ -3.1%
↑ +37.8%
5-Year Change
↑ +30.2%
$385K - $399K
Price Range
$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 6% more expensive than Wauwatosa

Calculate payment - WauwatosaCalculate 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

Wauwatosa, 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

Wauwatosa, 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.

Environment

Wauwatosa
Phoenix
43 Good
Air Quality
77 Moderate
68.6%
Good Air Days
9%
98 High
Climate Risk
100 Very High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🔥🌊🌡
▲+3.3°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.7°F
13 days
Heat Days >95°F
162 days
▲+3.3°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.7°F
13 days
Heat Days >95°F
162 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Wisconsin and Arizona on TaxTakeHome.com

Similar cost to Phoenix, AZ

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