Appleton, MN vs Ellsworth, MN

Appleton, MN and Ellsworth, MN have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.2% difference in their overall index. Appleton scores 60 while Ellsworth scores 58 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Appleton is $682/month compared to $631/month in Ellsworth — a 8% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Ellsworth has cheaper rent, Appleton actually has lower median home values ($71,300 vs $85,700).

Median household income in Appleton is $40,117 compared to $58,438 in Ellsworth (-31.4%). Ellsworth offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Appleton spend roughly 20.4% of their income on rent, more than the 13% in Ellsworth.