Dodge, WI vs Melrose, WI

Melrose is moderately more affordable than Dodge, with a 7.9% lower cost of living index. Dodge scores 71 compared to 65 for Melrose, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Dodge can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Dodge is $750/month compared to $742/month in Melrose — a 1% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Melrose is more affordable at $137,500 median vs $182,900.

Median household income in Dodge is $53,268 compared to $50,208 in Melrose (+6.1%). The higher salaries in Dodge partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Dodge spend roughly 16.9% of their income on rent, less than the 17.7% in Melrose.