Bayfield, WI vs Nelsonville, WI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Nelsonville is 22.8% cheaper than Bayfield. With a cost index of 72 vs 89, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Nelsonville to Bayfield should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Bayfield is $1,021/month compared to $875/month in Nelsonville — a 17% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Nelsonville is more affordable at $157,800 median vs $304,800.

Median household income in Bayfield is $63,750 compared to $66,750 in Nelsonville (-4.5%). Nelsonville offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Bayfield spend roughly 19.2% of their income on rent, more than the 15.7% in Nelsonville.