Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Appleton, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 5.5% more expensive than Appleton, WI. This translates to spending an extra $411 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Appleton, WI?

If you earn $150,000 in Appleton, WI, you'd need approximately $154,929.27 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Appleton, WI and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 27.0% more expensive than in Appleton, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,208/month in Appleton, WI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Appleton, WI to Raleigh, NC?

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $411 more per month than Appleton, WI, or $4929 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Appleton, WI vs Raleigh, NC: 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 spend $411/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.9K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 5.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$411

Extra cost

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:105

Median Home:$512K

Appleton, WI

The Badger State

75K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Appleton, WI vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Appleton, WI	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,943/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $525more	27.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,422/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $138less	9.7%
🏥Healthcare	$722/mo	$601/mo	↓ $122less	16.8%
📦Other	$1,624/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $83.43more	5.1%
⚡All Utilities	$511/mo	$546/mo	↑ $35.57more	7.0%
🛒Groceries	$964/mo	$959/mo	↓ $5.06less	0.5%

🏠Housing

↑ 27.0%

Appleton, WI

$1,943

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$525

🚗Transportation

↓ 9.7%

Appleton, WI

$1,422

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$138

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 16.8%

Appleton, WI

$722

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$122

less

📦Other

↑ 5.1%

Appleton, WI

$1,624

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$83.43

⚡All Utilities

↑ 7.0%

Appleton, WI

$511

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$35.57

🛒Groceries

↓ 0.5%

Appleton, WI

$964

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$5.06

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$839

To$1,570

↑ $731

1 Bed

From$940

To$1,640

↑ $700

2 Bed

From$1,208

To$1,800

↑ $592

3 Bed

From$1,662

To$2,255

↑ $593

Appleton, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $910–$1,130/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$380

Difference

Home Values

Appleton

Raleigh

$319K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +6.8%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +57%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$263K - $456K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 60% more expensive than Appleton

Calculate payment - Appleton Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.7K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$144

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.1%

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

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Appleton, WI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.6%

Property Tax:1.8%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.