Appleton, WI vs Green Bay, WI

Green Bay is moderately more affordable than Appleton, with a 5% lower cost of living index. Appleton scores 79 compared to 75 for Green Bay, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Appleton can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Appleton is $957/month compared to $904/month in Green Bay — a 6% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Green Bay is more affordable at $191,500 median vs $211,500.

Median household income in Appleton is $77,450 compared to $62,546 in Green Bay (+23.8%). While Appleton 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, less than the 17.3% in Green Bay.