Mellen, WI vs Shell Lake, WI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Mellen is 19.2% cheaper than Shell Lake. With a cost index of 58 vs 72, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Mellen to Shell Lake should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Mellen is $608/month compared to $713/month in Shell Lake — a 15% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Mellen is more affordable at $78,700 median vs $207,100.

Median household income in Mellen is $40,125 compared to $56,875 in Shell Lake (-29.5%). While Shell 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 Mellen spend roughly 18.2% of their income on rent, more than the 15% in Shell Lake.