Cost of living in Wausau
Wausau, located in the heart of Wisconsin, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and urban amenities. Understanding the cost of living in Wausau is crucial for anyone considering moving to or residing in this city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses related to dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities, helping you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $20 on average, with a range between $12 and $40.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $70, with prices ranging from $50 to $90.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $8.5, with a range between $8 and $12.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $6, imported beer $4 to $8, cappuccino $3 to $6, and Coke/Pepsi $1.99 to $3.75.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.71 and $1.03 per liter, averaging $0.84.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.65 and $6.61, with an average price of $1.91.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.79 to $4, averaging $3.02.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $4.39 to $8.82 per kg, while oranges range from $2.93 to $16.53 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.08 and $4.41 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.4 to $3 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.73 and $1.04 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.8, with a cost of $1.6 to $2.8 per km and $21 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $850.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1450.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $1200.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $1593.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $1593.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $140 and $348, averaging $187.5.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $95, with an average cost of $73.25.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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"Key Takeaways"
Wausau offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger urban areas, with moderate prices in dining and housing.
Transportation costs are reasonable, especially for those who drive, given the lower gasoline prices.
Grocery prices vary, with some items like bread and eggs being particularly affordable, while others like fruits can be more expensive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Wausau, WI, presents a balanced cost of living that caters to a variety of lifestyles and budgets.
Whether you're dining out, shopping for groceries, or looking for housing, Wausau offers competitive prices that make it an attractive place to live.
Potential residents can enjoy the benefits of a small-town atmosphere with the conveniences of city living, all while maintaining a manageable budget.