Ellsworth, WI vs Shawano, WI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Shawano is 24.8% cheaper than Ellsworth. With a cost index of 67 vs 83, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Shawano to Ellsworth should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Ellsworth is $926/month compared to $773/month in Shawano — a 20% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Shawano is more affordable at $127,200 median vs $229,400.

Median household income in Ellsworth is $72,609 compared to $56,457 in Shawano (+28.6%). 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 16.4% in Shawano.