2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Wausau, WI vs Madison, WI

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Highlights
Are people in Madison older or younger than people in Wausau?
- The Median Age in Madison is 7.1 years younger than in Wausau.

Are housing costs cheaper in Madison or Wausau?
- Madison housing costs are 93.1% more expensive than Wausau housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Madison or Wausau?
- The average commute for residents of Madison is 3.5 minutes longer than it is for residents of Wausau.

Things to do in Wausau?
Wausau, Wisconsin lies within Marathon County giving people a variety of culture attractions ranging from Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum to Rib Mountain State Park combined with stores like Wausau Center and local food spots like Buffalo Wild Wings.

Things to do in Madison?
Madison, Wisconsin is a vibrant city with a unique mix of culture and history. Take a stroll through State Street and explore the city's many art galleries, bookstores and some of the best restaurants in the Midwest. Visit University of Wisconsin-Madison for some stunning architecture and inspiring scientific research, or take in an outdoor concert at Breese Stevens Field. With its beautiful lakeshore backdrop, lively farmers markets, and incredible cultural events,Madison is an ideal place to live and visit!

 Wausau, WIMadison, WIUnited States
 Population  Unlock265,447329,725,481
 Median Income$53,800  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock31.538.4
 Avg. Home Price$174,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock3.3%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time15.93  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Wausau    6 Reviews

Over 6 years ago

I visited Wausau during the summer and it was a very nice change from Phoenix. The people were friendly & helpful. It was a little humid than what I’m used to but  More

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Beautiful area geographically but beneath that beauty are some of the most overly conservative, unfriendly, judgemental people anywhere. Very hard to make friends here  More

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I LIVED IN WAUSAU WI OVER 23 YEARS AGO. I RELOCATED TO WYOMING IN 1990 FOR GOVERMENT POSITION. NOW RETIRED FROM FEDERAL SERVICE, I WILL BE MOVING BACK TO THE UPPER  More

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Reviews for Madison    78 Reviews

Unfortunately, a number of these reviews are politically based. Madison remains the only shining star in Wisconsin’s economy. The economy is broadly based, with  More

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Have been living in Madison for almost 3 years. It’s very safe, ppl generally friendly and for a town of its size it has fair number of good restaurants and interesting  More

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Lacks balance and zero accountability.   More

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