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Cost of Living in Appleton

Is it better to rent or buy in Appleton? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$89,449
$1,078/mo

Median in area: $1,078

$275,373

Median in area: $275,373

$55,075

If you Rent

🔑
$1,257 /mo
Base Rent$1,078
Est. Utilities$179
% of Income16.9%
Pre-tax Residual$6,197

If you Buy

🏠
$1,947 /mo
P&I (6.5%)$1,392
Taxes & Ins$376
Est. Utilities$179
% of Income26.1%
Pre-tax Residual$5,507

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Appleton?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Appleton. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,257, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,947 per month (a difference of $690).

How much do utilities cost in Appleton?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Appleton is approximately $179. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Appleton?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Appleton without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $50,280 per year.