Cost of Living in Merrill, WI

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15%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
47%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Merrill Wisconsin National
Cost of living8596100
Groceries9799100
Health care9998100
Housing5389100
Transportation10098100
Utilities99101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9798100
Household Items10099100
Education & Childcare9698100
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Homes For Sale In Merrill, WI

property for sale

1010 Adams St

Merrill, WI
property for sale

701 Cottage St

Merrill, WI
property for sale

501 E 9th St

Merrill, WI
property for sale

501 E 9th St Unit 1-2

Merrill, WI
See the Newest Homes For Sale In Merrill, WI

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Merrill is 11% lower than the Wisconsin average
  • The cost of living in Merrill is 15% lower than the national average
  • Merrill housing is 47% lower than the national average
  • Wisconsin general sales tax is 2% lower than the national average
  • Wisconsin state income tax is 36% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Merrill

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Compare Merrill, WI Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$105,280$8,773$2,456$3,159
      Renters$35,597$2,966$831$1,068
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Merrill, WI, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Merrill have a median income of $105,280. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,456 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $35,597, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $831.

      Wisconsin Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Wisconsin 5% 6.75%

      Wisconsin Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Wisconsin 3.54% 7.65%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Brokaw, WI242954.7%
      Maine, WI2,6541000.0%
      Merrill, WI9,4428515.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Tiburon, CA9,444342241.8%
      Westwood, MI9,439928.2%
      Smiths Falls, ON9,439n/a 
      Leeds and the Thousand Islands, ON9,445n/a 
      Calimesa, CA9,44612424.1%
      Merrill, WI9,4428515.2%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
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