Merrill, WI vs Oostburg, WI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Merrill is 17.9% cheaper than Oostburg. With a cost index of 65 vs 79, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Merrill to Oostburg should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Merrill is $784/month compared to $931/month in Oostburg — a 16% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Merrill is more affordable at $113,200 median vs $230,400.

Median household income in Merrill is $49,947 compared to $87,276 in Oostburg (-42.8%). While Oostburg is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Merrill spend roughly 18.8% of their income on rent, more than the 12.8% in Oostburg.