Fox Lake, WI vs Melrose, WI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Melrose is 22.8% cheaper than Fox Lake. With a cost index of 65 vs 80, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Melrose to Fox Lake should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Fox Lake is $1,102/month compared to $742/month in Melrose — a 49% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Melrose is more affordable at $137,500 median vs $171,300.

Median household income in Fox Lake is $78,409 compared to $50,208 in Melrose (+56.2%). While Fox Lake is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Fox Lake spend roughly 16.9% of their income on rent, less than the 17.7% in Melrose.