City Comparison
Wausau vs Grants Pass
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Wausau scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Wausau
Grants Pass
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Wausau is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
25% lower than in Grants Pass.
Housing costs are a major driver: Wausau's average rent is
28% lower than Grants Pass's.
| Metric | Wausau | Grants Pass | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,050 | $1,450 | -28% |
| Groceries | $380 | $450 | -16% |
| Utilities | $175 | $400 | -56% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $210 | $150 | +40% |
| Monthly Total | $1,925 | $2,570 | -25% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 112 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Grants Pass offers 13% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Wausau delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Wausau is estimated at
$48,000 vs $58,000 in Grants Pass.
| Metric | Wausau | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $56,000 | $64,331 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $58,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 60,870 idx | 57,438 idx |
| Household Income | $58,400 | $59,646 |
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 | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| 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% | 74.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Wausau scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Wausau leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Wausau | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/100 | 27.0/100 |
| Walkability | 42.0/100 | 40.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 32.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Grants Pass is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Grants Pass is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Wausau has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Wausau | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 39,950 | 40,051 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 40.2 | 40.8 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 5.60% |
| 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.
Grants Pass
Advantages
Access to world-class outdoor recreation on the Rogue River, including rafting and fishing.
More sunny days and a warmer, drier climate compared to much of western Oregon.
Housing is comparatively more affordable than larger West Coast cities and some other Oregon metros.
A growing arts and food scene in a walkable, historic downtown.
Friendly community atmosphere appealing to families and retirees.
Drawbacks
Overall crime rate is significantly higher than the national average, particularly due to property crime.
Limited high-wage job opportunities compared to larger economic centers.
Air quality can be impacted by wildfire smoke during certain seasons.
Presence of a significant homeless population in the downtown core.
High car dependency due to minimal public transportation options.
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
Grants Pass
#584Oregon, USA
45.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$64,331
Cost Index
112
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
27.0/100
Walkability
40.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.90%
Unemployment
5.60%
Livability
70
Business
60
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