Black River Falls, WI vs Portage, WI

Black River Falls is moderately more affordable than Portage, with a 14% lower cost of living index. Black River Falls scores 67 compared to 78 for Portage, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Portage can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Black River Falls is $718/month compared to $963/month in Portage — a 25% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Black River Falls is more affordable at $152,300 median vs $187,300.

Median household income in Black River Falls is $57,712 compared to $62,785 in Portage (-8.1%). The higher salaries in Portage partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Black River Falls spend roughly 14.9% of their income on rent, less than the 18.4% in Portage.