Ashland, WI vs Howard, WI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Ashland is 23.1% cheaper than Howard. With a cost index of 67 vs 88, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Ashland to Howard should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Ashland is $697/month compared to $1,053/month in Howard — a 34% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ashland is more affordable at $162,200 median vs $286,200.

Median household income in Ashland is $49,258 compared to $84,896 in Howard (-42%). While Howard is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Ashland spend roughly 17% of their income on rent, more than the 14.9% in Howard.