Appleton vs Colorado Springs

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable

Salary Equivalence

A $75,000 salary in Appleton has the same purchasing power as $89,489 in Colorado Springs.

Conversely, $75,000 in Colorado Springs equals $62,857 in Appleton.

Living in Appleton vs Colorado Springs

Housing Costs

Appleton's housing index of 91 is lower Colorado Springs's 115, translating to median home prices of $279,000 vs $380,000. The $101,000 difference in home prices means roughly $6,564 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $950/mo in Appleton compared to $1,500/mo in Colorado Springs, a monthly difference of $550.

Grocery & Food Costs

Grocery expenses index at 98 in Appleton and 100 in Colorado Springs. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Appleton vs $475/month in Colorado Springs. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.

Utility Expenses

Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 70 in Appleton and 93 in Colorado Springs. Monthly utility bills average approximately $280 in Appleton vs $372 in Colorado Springs. 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 116 in Appleton and 104 in Colorado Springs. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 12-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.

Income & Purchasing Power

Median household income is $80,500 in Appleton and $64,712 in Colorado Springs. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $91,477 and $61,630 respectively. Appleton residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.

Relocation Considerations

Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,878/month to housing in Appleton vs $1,510/month in Colorado Springs. In Appleton, median rent of $950/mo fits within this budget. In Colorado Springs, median rent of $1,500/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 24 index points — focus your budget analysis there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving & Relocation Resources

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases