Appleton, WI vs Stevens Point, WI

Stevens Point is moderately more affordable than Appleton, with a 5.6% lower cost of living index. Appleton scores 79 compared to 75 for Stevens Point, 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 $874/month in Stevens Point — a 10% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Stevens Point is more affordable at $189,700 median vs $211,500.

Median household income in Appleton is $77,450 compared to $56,218 in Stevens Point (+37.8%). 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 18.7% in Stevens Point.