City Comparison
Wausau vs Cincinnati
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Wausau scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Wausau
Cincinnati
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Wausau is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
21% lower than in Cincinnati.
Housing costs are a major driver: Wausau's average rent is
26% lower than Cincinnati's.
| Metric | Wausau | Cincinnati | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,050 | $1,410 | -26% |
| Groceries | $380 | $493 | -23% |
| Utilities | $175 | $178 | -2% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $210 | $250 | -16% |
| Monthly Total | $1,925 | $2,451 | -21% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Cincinnati offers 29% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Cincinnati delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Wausau is estimated at
$48,000 vs $55,000 in Cincinnati.
| Metric | Wausau | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $56,000 | $79,000 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 60,870 idx | 76,699 idx |
| Household Income | $58,400 | $52,909 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Wausau runs warmer on average — a 43.7°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Wausau comes out ahead with 254 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Wausau sees 39.6 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Wausau | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 43.70°F | °F |
| Summer High | 76.70°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 6.90°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 33.80 in | in |
| Snowfall | 39.60 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 254 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Wausau has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Cincinnati.
Cincinnati scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Cincinnati leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Wausau | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/100 | 40.0/100 |
| Walkability | 42.0/100 | 49.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 32.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Cincinnati is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Wausau.
From a growth perspective, Cincinnati is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
| Metric | Wausau | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 39,950 | 314,915 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 0.70% |
| Median Age | 40.2 | 33.2 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 3.20% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Wausau
Advantages
Median home prices and overall cost of living remain significantly below the national U.S. average.
Abundant year-round outdoor recreation, highlighted by Granite Peak Ski Area at Rib Mountain State Park.
Exceptional local healthcare infrastructure anchored by Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Crime rates that are well below national averages, offering a remarkably safe environment for families.
A revitalized historic downtown featuring a thriving arts scene, local dining, and community festivals.
Drawbacks
Bitterly cold and snowy winter conditions can be challenging for those unaccustomed to Northwoods weather.
Public transit options are minimal, making a personal vehicle an absolute necessity for daily life.
Average local salaries lag behind major metropolitan GDP and national per capita benchmarks.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options for young adults seeking a fast-paced urban lifestyle.
Tight housing inventory for entry-level single-family homes during peak buying seasons.
Cincinnati
Advantages
The cost of living in Cincinnati is 3% lower than the national average, making it more affordable than many major U.S. cities.
Cincinnati boasts a diverse and growing economy, with strong sectors in healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services.
The city offers a vibrant arts and culture scene, including museums, theaters, and a symphony orchestra.
Several neighborhoods, such as Over-The-Rhine and the Central Business District, are highly walkable, with Walk Scores of 94 and 92 respectively.
The median property value in Cincinnati was $230,900 in 2024, significantly lower than the national average, making homeownership more accessible.
Drawbacks
While some areas are highly walkable, the city's overall Walk Score of 49 indicates a car-dependent environment for most errands.
Public transportation, while available, is not considered the most dependable, often necessitating a personal vehicle.
The city's poverty rate was 25.5% in 2024, which is higher than the national average.
Cincinnati experiences extreme seasonal variations in humidity, with muggy summers and very cold, snowy winters.
The average commute time in the Cincinnati metropolitan area was 2 hours daily in 2023, which is relatively long compared to some other cities.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Wausau
#199Wisconsin, USA
63.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,050
Avg Salary
$56,000
Cost Index
92
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
30.0/100
Walkability
42.0/100
Sunny Days
254/yr
Avg Temp
43.70°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
76
Business
69
Cincinnati
#501Ohio, USA
52.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,410
Avg Salary
$79,000
Cost Index
103
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
40.0/100
Walkability
49.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.70%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
70
Business
72
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