Merrill, WI vs Stevens Point, WI

Merrill is moderately more affordable than Stevens Point, with a 13.6% lower cost of living index. Merrill scores 65 compared to 75 for Stevens Point, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Stevens Point can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Merrill is $784/month compared to $874/month in Stevens Point — a 10% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Merrill is more affordable at $113,200 median vs $189,700.

Median household income in Merrill is $49,947 compared to $56,218 in Stevens Point (-11.2%). The higher salaries in Stevens Point partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Merrill spend roughly 18.8% of their income on rent, more than the 18.7% in Stevens Point.