Fond du Lac, WI vs Middleton, WI

The cost of living difference between Fond du Lac, WI and Middleton, WI is dramatic. Fond du Lac is 34.8% cheaper than Middleton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Fond du Lac has a cost index of 73 while Middleton sits at 112, 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 Fond du Lac is $905/month compared to $1,357/month in Middleton — a 33% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fond du Lac is more affordable at $161,300 median vs $457,400.

Median household income in Fond du Lac is $61,620 compared to $85,526 in Middleton (-28%). The higher salaries in Middleton partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Fond du Lac spend roughly 17.6% of their income on rent, less than the 19% in Middleton.