Appleton vs Rockford
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Appleton
Rockford
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 11.4%, with Rockford being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Appleton has equivalent purchasing power to $67,330 in Rockford.
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 $67,330 in Rockford.
Conversely, $75,000 in Rockford equals $83,544 in Appleton.
Living in Appleton vs Rockford
Housing Costs
Appleton's housing index of 91 is higher Rockford's 52, 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 $950/mo in Rockford, a monthly difference of $0.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 98 in Appleton and 99 in Rockford. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Appleton vs $470/month in Rockford. 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 92 in Rockford. Monthly utility bills average approximately $280 in Appleton vs $368 in Rockford. 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 Rockford. 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 $53,300 in Rockford. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $91,477 and $67,468 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 $1,244/month in Rockford. In Appleton, median rent of $950/mo fits within this budget. In Rockford, median rent of $950/mo remains manageable. 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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