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Cost of Living in Watertown, WI

Population 22,774 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates

Median rent$1,052
Median home value$222,100
Median household income$70,107

The median rent in Watertown, WI is $1,052/month, 3% lower than the Wisconsin median and 26% lower than the U.S. median. The median home value is $222,100, 33% lower than the national median. Households earn a median of $70,107 a year, 10% lower than the state median.

Affordability

Rent as a share of median income: 18.0%
Income needed for median rent (30% rule): $42,080/yr
Home price-to-income ratio: 3.2×
Est. mortgage on the median home (20% down, 6.5% for 30 yrs, principal + interest): $1,123/mo

Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary

Watertown vs. Wisconsin vs. U.S.

WatertownWisconsinU.S.
Median rent$1,052$1,087$1,413
Median home value$222,100$266,500$332,700
Median household income$70,107$77,485$80,734
Homeownership rate62.0%67.8%65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher18.2%33.4%35.7%
Poverty rate9.9%10.6%12.5%
Unemployment rate5.3%3.2%5.2%
Work from home6.9%13.1%15.1%
Median age40.640.238.9

FAQ

What is the average rent in Watertown, WI?

The median gross rent in Watertown, WI is $1,052 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).

How much do I need to earn to live in Watertown, WI?

Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $42,080 a year in gross income.

Is Watertown, WI expensive to live in?

Rent there is 26% lower than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 3.2 times the median household income.

Other cities in Wisconsin

Milwaukee, WIRent $1,059 · Income $54,234Madison, WIRent $1,413 · Income $78,050Green Bay, WIRent $932 · Income $66,206Kenosha, WIRent $1,186 · Income $71,239Racine, WIRent $1,033 · Income $57,740Appleton, WIRent $1,030 · Income $80,483

Cities with a similar cost of living

Romulus, MIRent $1,049 · Income $69,151Coralville, IARent $1,057 · Income $69,144Springdale, ARRent $1,071 · Income $69,787Cheektowaga, NYRent $1,055 · Income $68,613Copperas Cove, TXRent $1,043 · Income $71,225Dodge City, KSRent $1,045 · Income $68,721

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.

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