Melrose, WI vs Rockdale, WI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Melrose is 26.7% cheaper than Rockdale. With a cost index of 65 vs 89, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Melrose to Rockdale should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Melrose is $742/month compared to $1,097/month in Rockdale — a 32% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Melrose is more affordable at $137,500 median vs $275,000.

Median household income in Melrose is $50,208 compared to $94,167 in Rockdale (-46.7%). While Rockdale is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Melrose spend roughly 17.7% of their income on rent, more than the 14% in Rockdale.