Appleton, WI vs Eau Claire, WI

Appleton, WI and Eau Claire, WI have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.3% difference in their overall index. Appleton scores 79 while Eau Claire scores 80 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 $957/month compared to $971/month in Eau Claire — a 1% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Appleton is more affordable at $211,500 median vs $228,000.

Median household income in Appleton is $77,450 compared to $65,369 in Eau Claire (+18.5%). Appleton 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 14.8% of their income on rent, less than the 17.8% in Eau Claire.