Oak Creek, WI vs Salem Lakes, WI

Salem Lakes is moderately more affordable than Oak Creek, with a 8.9% lower cost of living index. Oak Creek scores 101 compared to 93 for Salem Lakes, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Oak Creek can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Oak Creek is $1,397/month compared to $1,132/month in Salem Lakes — a 23% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Salem Lakes is more affordable at $281,500 median vs $305,100.

Median household income in Oak Creek is $93,120 compared to $94,554 in Salem Lakes (-1.5%). Salem Lakes offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Oak Creek spend roughly 18% of their income on rent, more than the 14.4% in Salem Lakes.