Middleton, WI vs Sturgeon Bay, WI

The cost of living difference between Middleton, WI and Sturgeon Bay, WI is dramatic. Sturgeon Bay is 37.8% cheaper than Middleton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Middleton has a cost index of 112 while Sturgeon Bay sits at 81, 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 $1,011/month in Sturgeon Bay — a 34% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Sturgeon Bay is more affordable at $217,600 median vs $457,400.

Median household income in Middleton is $85,526 compared to $56,882 in Sturgeon Bay (+50.4%). While Middleton is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Middleton spend roughly 19% of their income on rent, less than the 21.3% in Sturgeon Bay.