Algoma, WI vs Merrill, WI

Merrill is moderately more affordable than Algoma, with a 5.9% lower cost of living index. Algoma scores 69 compared to 65 for Merrill, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Algoma can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Algoma is $812/month compared to $784/month in Merrill — a 4% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Merrill is more affordable at $113,200 median vs $143,000.

Median household income in Algoma is $62,269 compared to $49,947 in Merrill (+24.7%). While Algoma is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Algoma spend roughly 15.6% of their income on rent, less than the 18.8% in Merrill.