Appleton, WI vs Oak Creek, WI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Appleton is 21.5% cheaper than Oak Creek. With a cost index of 79 vs 101, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Appleton to Oak Creek should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Appleton is $957/month compared to $1,397/month in Oak Creek — a 32% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Appleton is more affordable at $211,500 median vs $305,100.

Median household income in Appleton is $77,450 compared to $93,120 in Oak Creek (-16.8%). The higher salaries in Oak Creek partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Appleton spend roughly 14.8% of their income on rent, less than the 18% in Oak Creek.