Merrimac, WI vs Spencer, WI

The cost of living difference between Merrimac, WI and Spencer, WI is dramatic. Spencer is 46.1% cheaper than Merrimac, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Merrimac has a cost index of 88 while Spencer sits at 60, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Merrimac is $1,050/month compared to $550/month in Spencer — a 91% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Spencer is more affordable at $143,000 median vs $274,200.

Median household income in Merrimac is $102,344 compared to $74,245 in Spencer (+37.8%). The higher salaries in Merrimac partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Merrimac spend roughly 12.3% of their income on rent, more than the 8.9% in Spencer.