Ellsworth, WI vs Marion, WI

The cost of living difference between Ellsworth, WI and Marion, WI is dramatic. Marion is 32.5% cheaper than Ellsworth, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Ellsworth has a cost index of 83 while Marion sits at 63, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Ellsworth is $926/month compared to $726/month in Marion — a 28% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Marion is more affordable at $97,500 median vs $229,400.

Median household income in Ellsworth is $72,609 compared to $63,750 in Marion (+13.9%). Ellsworth 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 Ellsworth spend roughly 15.3% of their income on rent, more than the 13.7% in Marion.