Amherst, WI vs Nelson, WI

Nelson is moderately more affordable than Amherst, with a 9.4% lower cost of living index. Amherst scores 76 compared to 69 for Nelson, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Amherst can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Amherst is $829/month compared to $786/month in Nelson — a 6% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Nelson is more affordable at $154,200 median vs $218,000.

Median household income in Amherst is $56,833 compared to $65,625 in Nelson (-13.4%). Nelson offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Amherst spend roughly 17.5% of their income on rent, more than the 14.4% in Nelson.