Melrose, WI vs Washburn, WI

Melrose is moderately more affordable than Washburn, with a 7.6% lower cost of living index. Melrose scores 65 compared to 71 for Washburn, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Washburn can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Melrose is $742/month compared to $779/month in Washburn — a 5% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Melrose is more affordable at $137,500 median vs $174,100.

Median household income in Melrose is $50,208 compared to $60,288 in Washburn (-16.7%). While Washburn 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 15.5% in Washburn.