Appleton vs Overland Park
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Appleton
Overland Park
The Verdict
Living in Appleton costs 17.0% less than Overland Park. To match the purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in Appleton, you would need $90,341 in Overland Park.
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 Overland Park.
Conversely, $75,000 in Overland Park equals $62,264 in Appleton.
Living in Appleton vs Overland Park
Housing Costs
Appleton's housing index of 91 is lower Overland Park's 109, translating to median home prices of $279,000 vs $414,000. The $135,000 difference in home prices means roughly $8,772 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $950/mo in Appleton compared to $1,450/mo in Overland Park, a monthly difference of $500.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 98 in Appleton and 96 in Overland Park. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Appleton vs $456/month in Overland Park. 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 98 in Overland Park. Monthly utility bills average approximately $280 in Appleton vs $392 in Overland Park. 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 Overland Park. 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 $104,800 in Overland Park. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $91,477 and $98,868 respectively. Overland Park residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,878/month to housing in Appleton vs $2,445/month in Overland Park. In Appleton, median rent of $950/mo fits within this budget. In Overland Park, median rent of $1,450/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Utilities, where the gap is 28 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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