Abilene vs Appleton
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Abilene
Appleton
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 9.1%, with Abilene being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Abilene has equivalent purchasing power to $82,500 in Appleton.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Abilene has the same purchasing power as $82,500 in Appleton.
Conversely, $75,000 in Appleton equals $68,182 in Abilene.
Living in Abilene vs Appleton
Housing Costs
Abilene's housing index of 58 is lower Appleton's 91, translating to median home prices of $179,000 vs $279,000. The $100,000 difference in home prices means roughly $6,504 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $950/mo in Abilene compared to $950/mo in Appleton, a monthly difference of $0.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 91 in Abilene and 98 in Appleton. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $432/month in Abilene vs $466/month in Appleton. Abilene offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $408/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 97 in Abilene and 70 in Appleton. Monthly utility bills average approximately $388 in Abilene vs $280 in Appleton. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 96 in Abilene and 116 in Appleton. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 20-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $62,600 in Abilene and $80,500 in Appleton. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $78,250 and $91,477 respectively. Appleton residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,461/month to housing in Abilene vs $1,878/month in Appleton. In Abilene, median rent of $950/mo fits within this budget. In Appleton, median rent of $950/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 33 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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