Appleton, MN vs Racine, MN

The cost of living difference between Appleton, MN and Racine, MN is dramatic. Appleton is 35.5% cheaper than Racine, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Appleton has a cost index of 60 while Racine sits at 93, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Appleton is $682/month compared to $1,318/month in Racine — a 48% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Appleton is more affordable at $71,300 median vs $239,500.

Median household income in Appleton is $40,117 compared to $95,125 in Racine (-57.8%). While Racine 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 16.6% in Racine.