Dorchester, WI vs Oakdale, WI

Dorchester, WI and Oakdale, WI have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.3% difference in their overall index. Dorchester scores 68 while Oakdale scores 66 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Dorchester is $821/month compared to $588/month in Oakdale — a 40% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Oakdale has cheaper rent, Dorchester actually has lower median home values ($142,000 vs $187,500).

Median household income in Dorchester is $54,750 compared to $86,563 in Oakdale (-36.8%). Oakdale offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Dorchester spend roughly 18% of their income on rent, more than the 8.2% in Oakdale.