Merrimac, WI vs Thorp, WI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Thorp is 23.4% cheaper than Merrimac. With a cost index of 71 vs 88, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Thorp to Merrimac should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Merrimac is $1,050/month compared to $844/month in Thorp — a 24% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Thorp is more affordable at $155,100 median vs $274,200.

Median household income in Merrimac is $102,344 compared to $56,800 in Thorp (+80.2%). While Merrimac is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Merrimac spend roughly 12.3% of their income on rent, less than the 17.8% in Thorp.