Arcadia, WI vs Portage, WI

Arcadia, WI and Portage, WI have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.7% difference in their overall index. Arcadia scores 74 while Portage scores 78 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Arcadia is $947/month compared to $963/month in Portage — a 2% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Arcadia is more affordable at $156,400 median vs $187,300.

Median household income in Arcadia is $65,275 compared to $62,785 in Portage (+4%). Arcadia offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Arcadia spend roughly 17.4% of their income on rent, less than the 18.4% in Portage.