Middleton, WI vs Sparta, WI

The cost of living difference between Middleton, WI and Sparta, WI is dramatic. Sparta is 54% cheaper than Middleton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Middleton has a cost index of 112 while Sparta sits at 73, 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 $902/month in Sparta — a 50% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Sparta is more affordable at $168,800 median vs $457,400.

Median household income in Middleton is $85,526 compared to $60,517 in Sparta (+41.3%). 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 17.9% in Sparta.