Gaylord, MI vs Mancelona, MI

Gaylord, MI and Mancelona, MI have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.2% difference in their overall index. Gaylord scores 72 while Mancelona scores 71 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Gaylord is $844/month compared to $956/month in Mancelona — a 12% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Gaylord has cheaper rent, Mancelona actually has lower median home values ($123,900 vs $170,300).

Median household income in Gaylord is $44,052 compared to $50,430 in Mancelona (-12.6%). Mancelona offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Gaylord spend roughly 23% of their income on rent, more than the 22.7% in Mancelona.