Hayward, WI vs Lake Mills, WI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Hayward is 22.7% cheaper than Lake Mills. With a cost index of 69 vs 89, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Hayward to Lake Mills should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Hayward is $691/month compared to $1,095/month in Lake Mills — a 37% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hayward is more affordable at $184,200 median vs $282,400.

Median household income in Hayward is $40,085 compared to $87,039 in Lake Mills (-53.9%). While Lake Mills is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Hayward spend roughly 20.7% of their income on rent, more than the 15.1% in Lake Mills.