| Index | Appleton | Wisconsin | National |
| Cost of living | 94 | 96 | 100 |
| Groceries | 98 | 99 | 100 |
| Health care | 96 | 98 | 100 |
| Housing | 85 | 89 | 100 |
| Transportation | 99 | 98 | 100 |
| Utilities | 102 | 101 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 97 | 98 | 100 |
| Household Items | 99 | 99 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 100 | 98 | 100 |
Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Appleton? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Appleton stands at 94, making it 6% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.
The cost of living in Appleton aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, household expenses, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Appleton residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.
Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 6 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Appleton and this is how they responded. 33% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 67% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.
Is Appleton affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Appleton, for instance, where the median home price falls 14.9% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 16.2% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Appleton flaunting a median household income of $91,040, 11.9% higher than the national norm.
Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Appleton, the healthcare costs are 4.5% lower than the national average.
Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Appleton, the transportation index is 1.2% lower than the national average.
Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Appleton, the utilities index registers at 1.5% higher than the national average.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Appleton are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.
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| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $111,415 | $9,285 | $2,600 | $3,343 |
| Renters | $62,199 | $5,183 | $1,451 | $1,866 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Wisconsin | 5% | 6.75% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Wisconsin | 3.54% | 7.65% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Hilbert, WI | 1,073 | 89 | 11.1% |
| Shiocton, WI | 974 | 90 | 9.7% |
| Black Creek, WI | 1,430 | 90 | 9.6% |
| Forest Junction, WI | 702 | 91 | 8.7% |
| Menasha, WI | 18,920 | 91 | 8.6% |
| Appleton, WI | 76,203 | 94 | 5.7% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Schaumburg, IL | 76,160 | 114 | 14.5% |
| Jacksonville, NC | 76,345 | 98 | 1.5% |
| Bolingbrook, IL | 76,035 | 110 | 9.6% |
| Cheektowaga, NY | 76,395 | 100 | 0.3% |
| Ellicott City, MD | 75,837 | 155 | 55.4% |
| Appleton, WI | 76,203 | 94 | 5.7% |
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