Appleton vs Scranton
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Appleton
Scranton
The Verdict
Appleton is 2.2% less expensive than Scranton overall. A household earning $75,000 in Appleton would need approximately $76,705 in Scranton to maintain the same standard of living.
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 $76,705 in Scranton.
Conversely, $75,000 in Scranton equals $73,333 in Appleton.
Living in Appleton vs Scranton
Housing Costs
Appleton's housing index of 91 is higher Scranton's 65, translating to median home prices of $279,000 vs $195,000. The $84,000 difference in home prices means roughly $5,460 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $950/mo in Appleton compared to $1,025/mo in Scranton, a monthly difference of $75.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 98 in Appleton and 98 in Scranton. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Appleton vs $466/month in Scranton. 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 102 in Scranton. Monthly utility bills average approximately $280 in Appleton vs $408 in Scranton. 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 90 in Scranton. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 26-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 $49,500 in Scranton. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $91,477 and $55,000 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 $1,155/month in Scranton. In Appleton, median rent of $950/mo fits within this budget. In Scranton, median rent of $1,025/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Utilities, where the gap is 32 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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