Ashland, WI vs Onalaska, WI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Ashland is 23.3% cheaper than Onalaska. 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 Onalaska should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Ashland is $697/month compared to $1,096/month in Onalaska — a 36% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ashland is more affordable at $162,200 median vs $279,100.

Median household income in Ashland is $49,258 compared to $84,898 in Onalaska (-42%). While Onalaska 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 15.5% in Onalaska.