Ellsworth, WI vs Merrill, WI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Merrill is 28.7% cheaper than Ellsworth. With a cost index of 65 vs 83, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Merrill to Ellsworth should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Ellsworth is $926/month compared to $784/month in Merrill — a 18% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Merrill is more affordable at $113,200 median vs $229,400.

Median household income in Ellsworth is $72,609 compared to $49,947 in Merrill (+45.4%). While Ellsworth is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Ellsworth spend roughly 15.3% of their income on rent, less than the 18.8% in Merrill.