Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Appleton, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 5.4% cheaper than Appleton, WI. This translates to saving $405 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in Appleton, WI?

If you earn $150,000 in Appleton, WI, you'd need approximately $145,142.747 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Appleton, WI and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 0.3% more expensive than in Appleton, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $1,208/month in Appleton, WI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Appleton, WI to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from Appleton, WI to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $405 per month, or $4857 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Appleton, WI vs Indianapolis, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Appleton, WI — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Milwaukee, WI area

Current salary in Appleton, WI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $405/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.1K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 5.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$405

Savings

Annual Impact

$4.9K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Appleton, WI

Population:75K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$319K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:95

Median Home:$176K

Appleton, WI

The Badger State

75K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Wisconsin, this city has a population of 75K residents.

Indianapolis, IN

The Hoosier State

888K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Indiana, this city has a population of 888K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Appleton, WI vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Appleton, WI	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,422/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $233less	16.4%
🏥Healthcare	$722/mo	$582/mo	↓ $140less	19.4%
🛒Groceries	$964/mo	$919/mo	↓ $45.03less	4.7%
📦Other	$1,624/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $33.75less	2.1%
⚡All Utilities	$511/mo	$503/mo	↓ $8.15less	1.6%
🏠Housing	$1,943/mo	$1,949/mo	↑ $5.63more	0.3%

🚗Transportation

↓ 16.4%

Appleton, WI

$1,422

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$233

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 19.4%

Appleton, WI

$722

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$140

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.7%

Appleton, WI

$964

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$45.03

less

📦Other

↓ 2.1%

Appleton, WI

$1,624

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$33.75

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 1.6%

Appleton, WI

$511

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$8.15

less

🏠Housing

↑ 0.3%

Appleton, WI

$1,943

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$5.63

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Indianapolis, IN: Marion County Income Tax$3,030/yr (2.0%)

Appleton, WI has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$839

To$1,030

↑ $191

1 Bed

From$940

To$1,170

↑ $230

2 Bed

From$1,208

To$1,360

↑ $152

3 Bed

From$1,662

To$1,760

↑ $98.00

Appleton, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $910–$1,130/mo

Indianapolis, INZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$1,870/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,187

Monthly in Appleton, WI

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$455

Difference

Home Values

Appleton

Indianapolis

$319K

Median Value

$176K

↑ +6.8%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +57%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$263K - $456K

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 45% less expensive than Appleton

Calculate payment - Appleton Calculate payment - Indianapolis

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$334

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.7%

Rate difference

Appleton, WI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Wisconsin State Tax

Effective: 5.9%

$8.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.6%

$45.9K

Take-Home Pay

$8,678/month

$104.1K

Indianapolis, IN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Indiana State Tax

Effective: 3.2%

$4.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.9%

$41.9K

Take-Home Pay

$9,012/month

$108.1K

Additional Tax Information

Appleton, WI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.6%

Property Tax:1.8%

Indianapolis, IN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.