Appleton vs Fort Smith

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 $65,625 in Fort Smith.

Conversely, $75,000 in Fort Smith equals $85,714 in Appleton.

Living in Appleton vs Fort Smith

Housing Costs

Appleton's housing index of 91 is higher Fort Smith's 49, translating to median home prices of $279,000 vs $155,000. The $124,000 difference in home prices means roughly $8,064 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $950/mo in Appleton compared to $775/mo in Fort Smith, a monthly difference of $175.

Grocery & Food Costs

Grocery expenses index at 98 in Appleton and 92 in Fort Smith. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Appleton vs $437/month in Fort Smith. Fort Smith offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $348/year.

Utility Expenses

Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 70 in Appleton and 95 in Fort Smith. Monthly utility bills average approximately $280 in Appleton vs $380 in Fort Smith. 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 88 in Fort Smith. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 28-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 $45,200 in Fort Smith. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $91,477 and $58,701 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 $1,055/month in Fort Smith. In Appleton, median rent of $950/mo fits within this budget. In Fort Smith, median rent of $775/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 42 index points — focus your budget analysis there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving & Relocation Resources

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