Grafton, WI vs Manitowoc, WI

The cost of living difference between Grafton, WI and Manitowoc, WI is dramatic. Manitowoc is 36.2% cheaper than Grafton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Grafton has a cost index of 93 while Manitowoc sits at 69, 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 Grafton is $1,162/month compared to $787/month in Manitowoc — a 48% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Manitowoc is more affordable at $143,900 median vs $301,300.

Median household income in Grafton is $88,634 compared to $62,133 in Manitowoc (+42.7%). While Grafton is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Grafton spend roughly 15.7% of their income on rent, more than the 15.2% in Manitowoc.