Cost of Living in Mercer, WI

With a cost of living index of 66, Mercer, WI is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 34% cheaper than the national average and 13% below the Wisconsin state average of 79. Mercer is a small community of 539 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Mercer's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $525 (60% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $209,100 (31% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.1x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Mercer is $51,528, which is 31% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 12% 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.