Janesville, WI vs Manitowoc, WI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Manitowoc is 17.6% cheaper than Janesville. With a cost index of 69 vs 81, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Manitowoc to Janesville should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Janesville is $1,037/month compared to $787/month in Manitowoc — a 32% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Manitowoc is more affordable at $143,900 median vs $209,700.

Median household income in Janesville is $71,664 compared to $62,133 in Manitowoc (+15.3%). The higher salaries in Janesville partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Janesville spend roughly 17.4% of their income on rent, more than the 15.2% in Manitowoc.