Appleton vs Medford
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Appleton
Medford
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 17.0%, with Appleton being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Appleton has equivalent purchasing power to $90,341 in Medford.
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 $90,341 in Medford.
Conversely, $75,000 in Medford equals $62,264 in Appleton.
Living in Appleton vs Medford
Housing Costs
Appleton's housing index of 91 is lower Medford's 139, translating to median home prices of $279,000 vs $406,000. The $127,000 difference in home prices means roughly $8,256 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $950/mo in Appleton compared to $1,375/mo in Medford, a monthly difference of $425.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 98 in Appleton and 108 in Medford. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Appleton vs $513/month in Medford. Appleton offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $564/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 70 in Appleton and 97 in Medford. Monthly utility bills average approximately $280 in Appleton vs $388 in Medford. 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 100 in Medford. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 16-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 $73,200 in Medford. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $91,477 and $69,057 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 $1,708/month in Medford. In Appleton, median rent of $950/mo fits within this budget. In Medford, median rent of $1,375/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 48 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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