Appleton vs Eugene
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Appleton
Eugene
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 23.5%, with Appleton being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Appleton has equivalent purchasing power to $98,011 in Eugene.
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 $98,011 in Eugene.
Conversely, $75,000 in Eugene equals $57,391 in Appleton.
Living in Appleton vs Eugene
Housing Costs
Appleton's housing index of 91 is lower Eugene's 130, 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 $1,400/mo in Eugene, a monthly difference of $450.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 98 in Appleton and 103 in Eugene. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Appleton vs $489/month in Eugene. 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 91 in Eugene. Monthly utility bills average approximately $280 in Appleton vs $364 in Eugene. 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 106 in Eugene. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 10-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 $49,448 in Eugene. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $91,477 and $42,998 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 $1,154/month in Eugene. In Appleton, median rent of $950/mo fits within this budget. In Eugene, median rent of $1,400/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 39 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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