Average Rent in Wausau, WI↑ Rents rising 3.3% YoY

Wausau, WI has rental prices ranging from $723/month to $1,397/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $803/month — 43% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $76,185/year, spending $803/month on a 1-bedroom represents 13% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Wausau Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,054/month, Wausau ranks #19 most expensive of the 63 cities tracked in Wisconsin — pricier than 71% of all US cities in our data.

The Wausau Rental Market

The Wausau, WI area has a population of about 138,067 and 27% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Wausau, WI have risen by $34/month (3.3%) over the past year, from $1,020 to $1,054. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Wausau, WI without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $32,120. The local median household income of $76,185 exceeds that threshold by $44,065, making Wausau relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Wausau, WI is $250,799, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 19.8. With a break-even horizon of approximately 20 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Wausau's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are East Towne ($156,817 median home value), Werle Park ($174,318 median home value), Jones ($176,729 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Wausau, WI Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Wausau?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Wausau

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.