Merrill, WI vs Watertown, WI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Merrill is 21.4% cheaper than Watertown. With a cost index of 65 vs 82, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Merrill to Watertown should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Merrill is $784/month compared to $1,061/month in Watertown — a 26% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Merrill is more affordable at $113,200 median vs $211,500.

Median household income in Merrill is $49,947 compared to $68,333 in Watertown (-26.9%). While Watertown 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 18.6% in Watertown.