Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Appleton?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Appleton, you need to earn at least $44,000/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $75,469, which means the typical resident is $31,469 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 75,133

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$770	$2,567	$30,800	$-44,669
1 Bedroom	$913	$3,043	$36,520	$-38,949
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,100	$3,667	$44,000	$-31,469
3 Bedroom	$1,342	$4,473	$53,680	$-21,789
4 Bedroom	$1,650	$5,500	$66,000	$-9,469

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Appleton's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$75,469

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$44,000

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$31,469

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 17.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Appleton

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Appleton's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,887

Studio

$770/mo

1 BR

$913/mo

2 BR

$1,100/mo

3 BR

$1,342/mo

4 BR

$1,650/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Appleton.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Appleton's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Appleton

Appleton, Wisconsin stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $75,469 significantly exceeds the $44,000 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $31,469 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Appleton, a studio at $770/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,342/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $53,680.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $66,000 would position you well — though many residents in Appleton manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Appleton, Wisconsin.

With a total population of 75,133, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 40,342 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $44,000 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

40,342

Active civilian employees in Appleton

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Appleton

What salary do I need to live in Appleton, Wisconsin?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Appleton under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $44,000. The median household income in Appleton is $75,469.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Appleton on $75,469?

The affordability verdict for Appleton is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 17.5%, meaning median earners have a $31,469 surplus.

What is the average rent in Appleton compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Appleton is $913/month. With a median household income of $75,469, residents spend approximately 17.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Appleton?

A studio in Appleton rents for approximately $770/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $30,800 to afford this.

Is Appleton considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $31,469 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Appleton is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $44,000 to the local median household income.

How Appleton Compares

Other cities in Wisconsin with salary requirements