Middleton, WI vs Rhinelander, WI

The cost of living difference between Middleton, WI and Rhinelander, WI is dramatic. Rhinelander is 65.4% cheaper than Middleton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Middleton has a cost index of 112 while Rhinelander sits at 68, 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 Middleton is $1,357/month compared to $818/month in Rhinelander — a 66% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Rhinelander is more affordable at $123,300 median vs $457,400.

Median household income in Middleton is $85,526 compared to $53,561 in Rhinelander (+59.7%). The higher salaries in Middleton partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Middleton spend roughly 19% of their income on rent, more than the 18.3% in Rhinelander.