Appleton, MN vs Carlos, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Appleton is 19.7% cheaper than Carlos. With a cost index of 60 vs 75, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Appleton to Carlos should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Appleton is $682/month compared to $888/month in Carlos — a 23% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Appleton is more affordable at $71,300 median vs $174,600.

Median household income in Appleton is $40,117 compared to $65,625 in Carlos (-38.9%). While Carlos is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Appleton spend roughly 20.4% of their income on rent, more than the 16.2% in Carlos.