Cost of Living in Mellen, WI

With a cost of living index of 58, Mellen, WI is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 42% cheaper than the national average and 21% below the Wisconsin state average of 79. Mellen is a small community of 538 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Mellen's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $608 (54% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $78,700 (74% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Mellen is $40,125, which is 47% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 18% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.