Appleton, MN vs Zumbrota, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Appleton is 21.6% cheaper than Zumbrota. With a cost index of 60 vs 77, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Appleton to Zumbrota should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Appleton is $682/month compared to $785/month in Zumbrota — a 13% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Appleton is more affordable at $71,300 median vs $235,800.

Median household income in Appleton is $40,117 compared to $96,818 in Zumbrota (-58.6%). While Zumbrota 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 9.7% in Zumbrota.