Boulder Junction, WI vs Melrose, WI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Melrose is 29% cheaper than Boulder Junction. With a cost index of 65 vs 84, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Melrose to Boulder Junction should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Boulder Junction is $854/month compared to $742/month in Melrose — a 15% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Melrose is more affordable at $137,500 median vs $312,500.

Median household income in Boulder Junction is $55,972 compared to $50,208 in Melrose (+11.5%). Boulder Junction does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Boulder Junction spend roughly 18.3% of their income on rent, more than the 17.7% in Melrose.