Rent in Waukesha, WI at a glance
2-bedroom rent (HUD)
$1,338$16,056 a year · HUD fiscal year 2026From October 1, 2026: $1,263 (−5.6%)How much rent can you afford in Waukesha, WI?
HUD’s fair market rent for each size, against what a typical household here earns. Change the income to see yours.
Rent in Waukesha, WI by bedroom, and the pay it takes
Income needed keeps rent at 30% of gross pay; the hourly figure assumes one full-time job, 2,080 hours a year.
| Size | A month | A year | Income needed | Hourly wage needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,027 | $12,324 | $41,080 | $19.75/hr |
| 1 bedroom | $1,119 | $13,428 | $44,760 | $21.52/hr |
| 2 bedroomsMost searched | $1,338 | $16,056 | $53,520 | $25.73/hr |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,648 | $19,776 | $65,920 | $31.69/hr |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,784 | $21,408 | $71,360 | $34.31/hr |
Cost of living in Waukesha, WI: income, prices and a budget →
Living and working in Waukesha, WI
Rent in Waukesha, WI: common questions
How much is rent going down in Waukesha, WI in 2027?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for fiscal 2027, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $1,263 for a two-bedroom, down 5.6% from $1,338. A one-bedroom goes from $1,119 to $1,060, a studio from $1,027 to $985.
These are HUD's estimates of what a typical recently rented unit costs, used for housing vouchers. A landlord's increase on your lease follows your lease and your state's rules, not this figure.
What is the average rent in Waukesha, WI?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for 2026 is $1,119 for a one-bedroom and $1,338 for a two-bedroom, utilities included. That is $16,056 a year for the two-bedroom.
It is not an average of current listings. HUD sets it at the rent 40% of recent movers paid or less for a standard unit, so asking rents on newer places usually run higher.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Waukesha, WI?
To keep a $1,338 two-bedroom at 30% of gross pay, one full-time worker needs $25.73 an hour, or $53,520 a year. A one-bedroom at $1,119 takes $21.52 an hour.
How much is a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom apartment in Waukesha, WI?
At HUD's 2026 Fair Market Rent: studio $1,027, one bedroom $1,119, two $1,338, three $1,648 and four $1,784 a month.
Is rent affordable in Waukesha, WI?
For the typical household, earning $83,837 a year ($6,986 a month, Census ACS), a two-bedroom at $1,338 takes 19.2% of income. Under 30% is the usual line for affordable; this is under it.
How is the income needed for rent worked out?
Rent for a year divided by 0.30, the share of gross income HUD treats as affordable: ($1,338 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $53,520. Divided by 2,080 working hours, that is $25.73 an hour.