salaryRent is lower than in 66% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs about 3.1 years of household income. Commutes are short, about 17.3 minutes.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $54,240 a year. That is $26 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Wisconsin cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of Wisconsin. It is number 85 of 156 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in Onalaska?
Share of households by yearly income. 30.0% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Onalaska
| Size | Onalaska | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $842 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,235 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,814 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,507 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Onalaska overall?
Everyday prices in the La Crosse-Onalaska metro area are 8% below the U.S. average (index 91.8, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Onalaska
Life in Onalaska
What jobs pay in Onalaska
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $159,020 | 10.2% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $125,390 | 13.0% |
| Lawyer | $104,910 | 15.5% |
| Operations Manager | $102,670 | 15.8% |
| Software Developer | $102,110 | 15.9% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $101,360 | 16.1% |
| Registered Nurse | $98,370 | 16.5% |
| Dental Hygienist | $95,950 | 17.0% |
| Civil Engineer | $95,870 | 17.0% |
| Plumber | $82,610 | 19.7% |
| Electrician | $78,760 | 20.7% |
| Accountant | $76,680 | 21.2% |
| Police Officer | $74,050 | 22.0% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $63,950 | 25.4% |
| HVAC Technician | $62,400 | 26.1% |
| Market Research Analyst | $61,930 | 26.3% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $60,690 | 26.8% |
| Truck Driver | $60,300 | 27.0% |
| Carpenter | $58,950 | 27.6% |
| Medical Assistant | $47,960 | 33.9% |
| Customer Service Representative | $45,820 | 35.5% |
| Nursing Assistant | $43,510 | 37.4% |
| Warehouse Worker | $42,800 | 38.0% |
| Firefighter | $38,900 | 41.8% |
| Restaurant Cook | $36,260 | 44.9% |
| Retail Salesperson | $34,090 | 47.7% |
| Cashier | $30,900 | 52.7% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $28,380 | 57.3% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Onalaska?
Renting is cheaper right now: about $649 a month less.
Owning assumes a typical $288,900 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $28,890 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Onalaska, WI?
Renting in Onalaska costs a median of about $1,356 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Wisconsin median is $1,305.
How much do I need to make to live in Onalaska?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $54,240 a year, or $26 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Onalaska cheap or expensive?
Onalaska is rated Cheap: rent takes 17.6% of the typical household income of $92,608. It ranks 85th cheapest of 156 Wisconsin cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Onalaska?
The median homeowner in Onalaska pays $4,326 a year in property taxes, about 1.50% of the median home value.
Is Onalaska more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 8% below the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Onalaska?
The median home value in Onalaska is $288,900, about 3.1 times the typical yearly household income.
19,348 people live in Onalaska. Numbers are typical (middle) values.