Ashland, WI vs Wisconsin Dells, WI

Ashland is moderately more affordable than Wisconsin Dells, with a 12.6% lower cost of living index. Ashland scores 67 compared to 77 for Wisconsin Dells, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Wisconsin Dells can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Ashland is $697/month compared to $886/month in Wisconsin Dells — a 21% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ashland is more affordable at $162,200 median vs $203,300.

Median household income in Ashland is $49,258 compared to $66,846 in Wisconsin Dells (-26.3%). While Wisconsin Dells 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 15.9% in Wisconsin Dells.