Melrose, WI vs Wabeno, WI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Wabeno is 20.4% cheaper than Melrose. With a cost index of 54 vs 65, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Wabeno to Melrose should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Melrose is $742/month compared to $475/month in Wabeno — a 56% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Wabeno is more affordable at $85,800 median vs $137,500.

Median household income in Melrose is $50,208 compared to $34,375 in Wabeno (+46.1%). While Melrose 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 16.6% in Wabeno.