Can A Carpenter Afford Rent in Waukesha, WI?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 30.9% of gross income.
Waukesha rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Wisconsin state estimate).
About rent and a carpenter salary
Carpenter pay sits modestly above the US median household income and covers comfortable rent in most lower- and mid-cost metros. Union carpenters in high-cost cities often earn well above the BLS mean. At the national-average carpenter salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,524 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Wisconsin cities have lower median rent than Waukesha, which improves the affordability math on a carpenter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Waukesha
View full rent data for Waukesha, WI →Frequently asked questions
Can a carpenter afford rent in Waukesha, WI?
Median rent in Waukesha is $1,490 a month. A typical carpenter in Wisconsin earns about $57,893 a year, which makes that rent 30.9% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a carpenter afford in Waukesha?
Using the 30% rule, a carpenter salary in Wisconsin (~$57,893/yr) supports up to $1,447 a month in rent. Waukesha's current median rent is $1,490/mo, which is $43/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a carpenter work to cover rent in Waukesha?
At an hourly equivalent of about $28 an hour, a carpenter in Wisconsin works roughly 53.5 hours a month to cover Waukesha's median rent of $1,490.
Where is rent cheaper than Waukesha for a carpenter?
Nearby Wisconsin cities with lower median rent include Milwaukee ($1,469/mo), Milwaukee ($1,461/mo), West Allis ($1,454/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a carpenter salary.