Ashland, WI vs Middleton, WI

The cost of living difference between Ashland, WI and Middleton, WI is dramatic. Ashland is 40% cheaper than Middleton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Ashland has a cost index of 67 while Middleton sits at 112, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Ashland is $697/month compared to $1,357/month in Middleton — a 49% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ashland is more affordable at $162,200 median vs $457,400.

Median household income in Ashland is $49,258 compared to $85,526 in Middleton (-42.4%). While Middleton 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, less than the 19% in Middleton.