Housing for Rent in Wausau, WI: Rents, Houses, and Stays
Compare housing for rent in Wausau, WI: average rents, houses vs apartments, move-in costs, and furnished short-term options for 2026. Plan your move.
Housing for rent in Wausau, WI ranges from roughly $575 apartments to houses above $1,500 a month, depending on the listing site you check. If you need a month-to-month or furnished base instead of a 12-month lease, Clear Trail Properties manages Wausau Chalet, a waterfront 3-bedroom that sleeps 8, near Rib Mountain.
Key Takeaways
- A listing-site search showed a Wausau apartment median rent of $963 per month in late 2026, with a range of $575 to $1,800.
- Zumper lists an overall average of $1,150, with one-bedrooms near $975 and two-bedrooms near $1,095; figures differ by site and date.
- Houses, duplexes, and private-owner units often cost more than apartments but may include yards, laundry, and garages.
- Total move-in cost depends on the deposit, utilities, parking, and pet terms, so confirm each with the landlord.
- Furnished stays fit travelers and project workers; Wausau Chalet is one managed option, about 1.2 miles from downtown Wausau.
- Always verify current availability and rent directly with the listing owner, since inventory changes weekly.
Searching for a rental in Wausau means sorting through listings on Zillow, Redfin, Zumper, HotPads, and Apartments.com, and those sites rarely agree. One shows a median of $963; another shows an average of $1,150. Neither is wrong. They count different listings on different dates.
This guide explains what the numbers mean, how apartments compare with houses, what your true move-in cost looks like, and where a furnished short-term stay makes more sense than a lease. At Clear Trail Properties, we manage rentals in Wausau and across Central Wisconsin. That gives us a view of both sides of the local housing market. We talk every week with people who need a place for a year and people who need one for a month, and the second group is usually the one that never finds an answer on a listing site.
Everything below reflects 2026 data from the sources named. Rents move, so treat every figure as a starting point and confirm it before you apply.
What Is the Average Rent in Wausau, WI in 2026?
The average rent in Wausau is the typical monthly asking price across current listings, and it varies by source. One search showed an apartment median of $963 per month with listings from $575 to $1,800, while Zumper reported an overall average of $1,150, up 16% from the prior year.
Another listing site shows a different view, broken out by unit size. Its listed averages run from about $1,093 for a one-bedroom to about $2,054 for a three-bedroom. Redfin's downtown Wausau page showed 48 rentals. Its studio and one-bedroom averages sit well above the city-wide figures from the other sites.
| Source | Reported figure | What it measures |
|---|---|---|
| Zillow | $963 median; $575 to $1,800 range | Apartment listings |
| Zumper | $1,150 overall; $975 one-bed; $1,095 two-bed | Listings in the last 30 days |
| Apartment Finder | $1,093 one-bed; $1,376 two-bed; $2,054 three-bed | Average listed unit rents |
| Zillow Rental Manager | $595 to $2,200 across 79 listings | All rental types |
Why the numbers disagree
Each platform samples a different slice. Some count only apartments, while others include houses. Some also weight new listings more heavily. A single new downtown building can pull an average up by hundreds of dollars.
Use the ranges, not the averages. If your budget is $900, a median of $963 tells you less than the fact that listings start near $575 and that many units under $1,000 are older or smaller.
Overhead aerial view showcasing the lakefront neighborhood, tree-filled lots, private docks, and direct shoreline access. · Queensway
What Do Apartments for Rent in Wausau Cost by Size?
Apartment rent in Wausau scales with bedroom count and location. Zumper's overall average of $1,150 breaks into roughly $975 for a one-bedroom and $1,095 for a two-bedroom, while Redfin's downtown listings showed studios from $600 and one-bedrooms from $675 to $795.
Named communities give a feel for the spread. The Apartments at Riverlife on Fulton Street and Island Place Apartments on River Drive appeared in current search results, along with Sherman Oaks Apartments, East High Apartments, and 700 Grand Apartments. Starting rents ranged from the high $800s to the mid $1,300s, so the building matters as much as the bedroom count.
Affordable and income-restricted options
Wausau has income-restricted housing, and 700 Grand Apartments is one example that appeared in current results. Income-restricted units carry eligibility rules, so ask the property office about qualification limits and the application process before you tour.
Downtown versus the 54401 ZIP code
Listings cluster in the 54401 and 54403 ZIP codes. Downtown units tend to be smaller and closer to the Wisconsin River and the Grand Theater, while listings on the 54401 side often show on-site laundry and storage. If you work near Rib Mountain, the drive from downtown is short, but check a map against your own commute before you commit. We won't pretend one side is better for everyone.
What Do Houses for Rent in Wausau Cost?
Houses for rent in Wausau are single-family homes and duplexes offered on a lease, and they typically cost more than comparable apartments in exchange for space. Zillow Rental Manager showed 79 rental listings from $595 to $2,200 per month across all property types.
Zumper's listings give concrete examples. A two-bedroom, one-bath house on North 2nd Street was listed at $1,095 with a matching deposit. It had a deck, a yard, a dishwasher, and a washer and dryer, with utilities not included. A three-bedroom on the same street listed at $1,550 with in-unit laundry and outdoor space.
Private-owner rentals show up on Apartments.com too, including upper-level units at several rents between $860 and $1,250 on 12-month leases. Those small landlords often move faster than property companies, so apply quickly and keep your documents ready.
For a current feed, check the Zillow Wausau WI houses for rent page and the Redfin Wausau houses for rent page. For a second opinion on average rents, the Rentable.co Wausau houses for rent page is useful.
How Do You Apply for a Rental in Wausau?
Applying for a rental in Wausau follows a standard sequence: tour the unit, submit an application, authorize screening, sign the lease, and pay the deposit and first month's rent. Local property managers like Forward Property Management and private landlords each set their own criteria.
- Set a budget and shortlist listings in the neighborhoods that fit your commute.
- Tour in person or by video, and ask what utilities are included.
- Gather ID, proof of income, and prior landlord contacts.
- Submit the application and ask about the screening fee and timing.
- Read the lease for term length, pet terms, parking, and renewal conditions.
- Pay the deposit and confirm the move-in date in writing.
Fees and screening rules vary by landlord, so ask for every cost in writing before you pay anything. Wisconsin tenant rules also apply to deposits and notices; check the state's official tenant resources for current requirements rather than relying on a listing site.
What Does Your True Move-In Cost Look Like?
Move-in cost is the total cash you need before you get the keys, and it usually exceeds the advertised monthly rent. Typical line items include the first month's rent, a security deposit, any application or screening fee, pet charges, and utility setup.
The Zumper example above shows the pattern: rent of $1,095 plus a deposit of the same amount means $2,190 before pet fees or utilities. Listing sites rarely show utilities, so ask whether heat and water are included. Ask about trash as well.
| Cost | What to ask |
|---|---|
| Security deposit | Amount and refund conditions |
| Utilities | Which are included; average winter heating bill |
| Parking | Off-street spot, garage, or winter street rules |
| Pets | Fee, monthly charge, and breed or weight limits |
| Lease term | 12 months standard; early-exit terms |
Winter matters in Wausau. Heating costs in an older house can outweigh a lower advertised rent, so ask the landlord what a typical January bill looks like. When guests at our homes call us about a cold snap, the first question is almost always about heat, and renters should ask it before signing too.
Perfect for morning coffee or sunset views · Archer Place
When Does a Furnished Short-Term Stay Beat a Lease?
A furnished short-term rental is a fully equipped home booked by the night, week, or month, and it beats a lease when your stay is under a year or your timeline is uncertain. AirRoi reported typical Wausau short-term rentals near $110 per night, so month-long stays can cost more than a lease. They do include furniture, linens, and Wi-Fi.
Traveling nurses, contractors, and remote workers use this route in slower seasons. Mid-term stays of 30 days or more are a growing category. You skip the deposit-and-utility setup and the 12-month commitment.
Wausau Chalet, managed by Clear Trail Properties, is a waterfront 3-bedroom that sleeps 8. It has a dedicated workspace and high-speed Wi-Fi, plus a main-level washer and dryer and a fully stocked kitchen. It sits about 1.2 miles from downtown Wausau and about 2.4 miles from Granite Peak Ski Area, based on straight-line distances. You can view Wausau Chalet and its current booking terms. Rates and availability change, so check the booking page for current details.
The trade-offs are real. A short-term home costs more per month than a lease, and Wausau Chalet is non-smoking, allows one dog under 40 pounds with prior approval, and has no blinds on the living room window. If you plan to stay beyond several months, a lease usually costs less.
Take in the peaceful surroundings from the outdoor patio seating, complete with a grill and tranquil wooded views. · Wausau Chalet
What Is There to Do in Wausau, WI Once You Move In?
Wausau is a Wisconsin River city with a walkable downtown. A ski hill and a state park sit inside a short drive. The Travel Wisconsin Wausau page lists Granite Peak Ski Area, the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, and Rib Mountain State Park among the main draws.
From Wausau Chalet, Big Bull Falls and downtown Wausau are about 1.2 miles away, roughly 5 minutes by car. The Grand Theatre is about 1.4 miles away, Lake Wausau about 1.9 miles, and Granite Peak about 2.4 miles. The Official Wausau Digital Guide is the best place to check current events and seasonal schedules.
Golfers have options too: Golf in Wausau lists public courses with tee-time information. Winter changes the picture, so confirm ski season dates with the resort itself.
How Do You Choose Between Apartments, Houses, and Furnished Stays?
Choosing a rental type depends on how long you will stay, how much space you need, and how much upfront cash you can commit. A lease is cheapest per month for stays over a year, while furnished stays reduce setup effort for shorter plans.
| Option | Best for | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment | Solo renters, tight budgets, downtown access | Less space; fees vary by building |
| House or duplex | Families, pets, yard and laundry needs | Higher rent; utilities often extra |
| Furnished short-term | Relocations, project work, trial stays | Higher monthly cost |
Mistakes to avoid
Do not rely on one listing site for pricing. Do not skip the utilities question. And do not sign without reading the renewal terms, since some leases raise rent or convert to month-to-month after the first year.
In our experience managing homes in Wausau, renters who tour twice, once by day and once in the evening, catch noise and parking issues that photos hide. We have also seen newcomers underestimate how early a Wisconsin winter starts, so we tell them to budget for heat from October onward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any vacation rentals available in Wausau, Wisconsin?
Yes. Vacation rentals appear on Airbnb and Vrbo, which AirDNA found carry most Wausau short-term listings. Clear Trail Properties manages Wausau Chalet, a waterfront 3-bedroom that sleeps 8. Check its booking page for current availability.
Are there any cabins available in Wausau, Wisconsin?
Cabin-style stays exist around Wausau and Rib Mountain. Wausau Chalet is a chalet-style home on the water with views of Rib Mountain. For log cabins, Clear Trail Properties also manages lakefront options in Nekoosa and Rome, a longer drive south and north of the city.
What is the average rent for apartments in Wausau?
One listing search showed a median of $963 per month, and Zumper reported a Wausau average of $1,150. The gap comes from different listing samples and dates, so compare the ranges and confirm current rent with each landlord.
What is the average rent for houses in Wausau?
Houses typically cost more than apartments. Zumper examples included a two-bedroom house at $1,095 and a three-bedroom at $1,550. Zillow Rental Manager showed all rental types from $595 to $2,200, so use listings for a current number.
What to do in Wausau, WI?
Visit downtown Wausau and Big Bull Falls, ski Granite Peak, hike Rib Mountain State Park, and see the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum. Check the Official Wausau Digital Guide for current events before you plan.
Who is the best company for furnished rentals in Wausau?
Clear Trail Properties manages Wausau Chalet, a furnished waterfront home near Rib Mountain. It also runs local teams in Wausau and Rome, as well as Minocqua. Compare any provider on cleanliness and pricing transparency. Also check how quickly the local team responds.
How do I apply for a rental in Wausau?
Tour the unit, submit an application with ID and proof of income, authorize screening, review the lease, and pay the deposit. Ask each landlord about fees and timing up front.
Conclusion: Your Next Step for Housing for Rent in Wausau, WI
Housing for rent in Wausau starts near $575 for apartments and climbs past $1,500 for houses, so your search should lean on ranges, not a single average. Confirm utilities and deposits before you apply, and check the lease terms too. Verify availability directly with each landlord in 2026.
If your stay is short or your plans are open, a furnished home skips the lease entirely. As Wausau's rental market keeps shifting through 2026, comparing lease and short-term costs side by side is the safest way to choose.
A welcoming facade that sets the tone. · Archer Place
Need a furnished base in Central Wisconsin? With over 60 properties under management, Clear Trail Properties can match you with a home or talk through managing your own rental. Reach out through the website to get started.
Written by Ashley Lang, Owner, CEO at Clear Trail Properties