Appleton, WI vs Franklin, WI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Appleton is 22.2% cheaper than Franklin. With a cost index of 79 vs 102, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Appleton to Franklin should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Appleton is $957/month compared to $1,325/month in Franklin — a 28% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Appleton is more affordable at $211,500 median vs $343,400.

Median household income in Appleton is $77,450 compared to $108,342 in Franklin (-28.5%). While Franklin 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 14.8% of their income on rent, more than the 14.7% in Franklin.