Appleton vs Nampa
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Appleton
Nampa
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 16.2%, with Appleton being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Appleton has equivalent purchasing power to $89,489 in Nampa.
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 Nampa.
Conversely, $75,000 in Nampa equals $62,857 in Appleton.
Living in Appleton vs Nampa
Housing Costs
Appleton's housing index of 91 is lower Nampa's 104, translating to median home prices of $279,000 vs $371,000. The $92,000 difference in home prices means roughly $5,976 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $950/mo in Appleton compared to $1,500/mo in Nampa, a monthly difference of $550.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 98 in Appleton and 105 in Nampa. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Appleton vs $499/month in Nampa. Appleton offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $396/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 70 in Appleton and 83 in Nampa. Monthly utility bills average approximately $280 in Appleton vs $332 in Nampa. 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 102 in Nampa. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 14-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 $74,300 in Nampa. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $91,477 and $70,762 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 $1,734/month in Nampa. In Appleton, median rent of $950/mo fits within this budget. In Nampa, median rent of $1,500/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Transportation, where the gap is 34 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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