Appleton, WI vs Wauwatosa, WI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Appleton is 21.1% cheaper than Wauwatosa. With a cost index of 79 vs 100, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Appleton to Wauwatosa should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Appleton is $957/month compared to $1,373/month in Wauwatosa — a 30% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Appleton is more affordable at $211,500 median vs $307,600.

Median household income in Appleton is $77,450 compared to $93,859 in Wauwatosa (-17.5%). The higher salaries in Wauwatosa 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 17.6% in Wauwatosa.