Surrey vs. Green Bay: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

Surrey presents a significantly more affordable option compared to Green Bay, Wisconsin, particularly concerning housing and overall cost of living metrics. The property price-to-income ratio in Surrey is substantially lower, indicating more accessible housing costs relative to income levels. Green Bay's cost of living index, ranging from 53.55 in Appleton to 215.16 in Wisconsin Dells, is considerably higher than Surrey's indices (typically below 70). This translates to lower monthly expenses for essentials, groceries, transportation, and leisure activities in Surrey.

Green Bay offers notably lower transportation costs than Surrey. Public transit fares are significantly cheaper in Green Bay ($39.5/month vs. $100+ in Surrey), and the average commute time index is much lower (24.11 vs. 50+). While Surrey might have slightly higher fuel costs per litre, the combination of lower public transport, shorter commutes, and potentially cheaper gasoline overall makes daily transportation cheaper in Green Bay.

Housing affordability is a stark contrast between the two locations. Surrey's property prices, measured by price per square meter and the property price-to-income ratio, are significantly more accessible than those in Green Bay. While specific rent figures are not provided for Surrey, its implied affordability and lower cost-of-living indices suggest more budget-friendly housing options compared to the higher prices seen in Green Bay cities like Milwaukee and Wisconsin Dells.

Income levels differ substantially, with Green Bay offering higher average monthly net salaries ($3,560.33) compared to Surrey's $3,000-3,300 range. This higher income in Green Bay helps offset its higher cost of living, resulting in a better net financial outcome for individuals and families. However, the higher mortgage interest rates in Green Bay (6.1%) compared to Surrey's lower rates further impact housing affordability despite the higher salary.

Quality of life metrics show mixed results. Green Bay generally scores higher on key quality indicators like commute times and pollution levels (index 38.13 vs. 50+). Cities like Stevens Point, Rhinelander, and Waukesha boast quality of life scores above 160, exceeding Surrey's typical range. However, Surrey offers a lower overall cost of living, potentially providing more disposable income for leisure, savings, or other quality-of-life factors beyond basic necessities, even if specific quality metrics like commute times are slightly less favorable.