Cost of Living in Appleton, WI - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,000 (excluding rent), and $2,209 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,717 (excluding rent), and $4,247 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$17.84 $17.84

$14.87 $14.87

$34.69 $34.69

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$57.8 $57.8

$30.17 $30.17

$151 $151

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.83 $9.83

$8.85 $8.85

$14.75 $14.75

Cappuccino

$5.1 $5.1

$4.08 $4.08

$8.17 $8.17

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.59 $2.59

$2.04 $2.04

$4.07 $4.07

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.95 $1.95

$2.93 $2.93

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$4.48 $4.48

$2.99 $2.99

$10.96 $10.96

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.03 $5.03

$14.07 $14.07

Milk (1 liter)

$1 $1

$0.83 $0.83

$1.52 $1.52

White Bread (500g)

$4.15 $4.15

$2.32 $2.32

$5.96 $5.96

Rice (white) (1kg)

$5.3 $5.3

$1.36 $1.36

$10.73 $10.73

Eggs

$4.48 $4.48

$1.96 $1.96

$8.31 $8.31

Local Cheese (1kg)

$14.64 $14.64

$8.99 $8.99

$26.96 $26.96

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$15.13 $15.13

$4.43 $4.43

$31.01 $31.01

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$11.4 $11.4

$8.84 $8.84

$39.76 $39.76

Apples (1kg)

$5.31 $5.31

$2.21 $2.21

$9.97 $9.97

Banana (1kg)

$1.31 $1.31

$1.11 $1.11

$4.54 $4.54

Oranges (1kg)

$4.37 $4.37

$2.22 $2.22

$10.09 $10.09

Tomato (1kg)

$4.39 $4.39

$2.17 $2.17

$7.6 $7.6

Potato (1kg)

$2.47 $2.47

$1.09 $1.09

$8.72 $8.72

Onion (1kg)

$2.74 $2.74

$1.09 $1.09

$6.53 $6.53

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.43 $2.43

$1.09 $1.09

$2.98 $2.98

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.41 $1.41

$1.27 $1.27

$3.55 $3.55

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$15.21 $15.21

$12.16 $12.16

$20.27 $20.27

Wine (Bottle)

$16.13 $16.13

$12.1 $12.1

$22.18 $22.18

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.75 $1.75

$1.45 $1.45

$4.34 $4.34

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.43 $3.43

$1.71 $1.71

$6.86 $6.86

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.48 $2.48

$1.24 $1.24

$2.48 $2.48

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$34.51 $34.51

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.21 $3.21

$3.95 $3.95

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.36 $1.36

$3.02 $3.02

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$24.67 $24.67

$39.47 $39.47

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.81 $0.81

$0.71 $0.71

$1.28 $1.28

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$22.9K $22.9K

$37.1K $37.1K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25K $25K

$28.1K $28.1K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$155 $155

$89.8 $89.8

$343 $343

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$45.21 $45.21

$35.55 $35.55

$102 $102

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$67.4 $67.4

$45.74 $45.74

$102 $102

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$16.87 $16.87

$9.92 $9.92

$24.8 $24.8

Cinema Ticket

$13.84 $13.84

$8.9 $8.9

$19.77 $19.77

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$2,028 $2,028

$1,183 $1,183

$2,958 $2,958

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$39.1K $39.1K

$20K $20K

$45.4K $45.4K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$40.34 $40.34

$30.25 $30.25

$90.8 $90.8

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$25.42 $25.42

$76.3 $76.3

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$89.5 $89.5

$49.34 $49.34

$128 $128

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$107 $107

$75.5 $75.5

$252 $252

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,544 $1,544

$967 $967

$2,546 $2,546

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,018 $1,018

$611 $611

$1,527 $1,527

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,768 $1,768

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,627 $1,627

$1,107 $1,107

$2,517 $2,517

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,309 $2,309

$2,265 $2,265

$2,385 $2,385

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,322 $2,322

$2,278 $2,278

$2,398 $2,398

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,949 $3,949

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.52

7.5

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 25, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Appleton, WI - Frequently Asked Questions

Appleton tends to offer a balanced mix of affordability and quality, especially for those who want city amenities without a big price tag. When you compare the Cost of Living in Appleton, WI, United States to larger metro areas, you'll likely notice the difference in housing and everyday expenses, with practical savings in housing and groceries. The city supports a walkable downtown, seasonal events, and reliable services, which helps stretch a budget. Keep in mind that costs rise in peak seasons for events or university activities. Tip: set a simple monthly discipline for housing, utilities, and groceries to keep your plans realistic.

Daily life in Appleton centers on a practical mix of housing options, accessible groceries, and a compact, easy-to-navigate downtown. You'll find a range of rental and owned homes in neighborhoods from walkable riverfront zones to quiet residential pockets, with parks and schools nearby. For food, local markets and mid-range eateries keep prices reasonable, and seasonal produce helps your budget stretch. Transport is comfortable for car owners, with straightforward commutes, while the bus network covers essential routes and is cyclist-friendly in many corridors. Understanding the Appleton, WI, United States living cost can help you tailor your search and savings. Tip: sketch a flexible plan that accounts for seasonal shifts in groceries and transit.

Quality of life in Appleton offers reliable services, outdoor access, and a friendly pace that suits many working travelers. A practical budgeting approach is to allocate your essentials first, then set flexible caps for dining out and entertainment, and keep a buffer for incidental travel to nearby natural areas. Seasonality shows in winter heating needs and summer outdoor activities, both of which shape your monthly plan. To find the right neighborhood, consider proximity to work or study hubs, access to parks, and quiet streets for remote work. Tip: test a few neighborhoods across a couple of seasons before committing.