Average Rent in Appleton, WI↑ Rents rising 12.5% YoY

Appleton, WI has rental prices ranging from $769/month to $1,563/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $866/month — 38% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $83,919/year, spending $866/month on a 1-bedroom represents 12% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Appleton Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,106/month, Appleton ranks #11 most expensive of the 63 cities tracked in Wisconsin — pricier than 76% of all US cities in our data.

The Appleton Rental Market

The Appleton, WI area has a population of about 244,163 and 26% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Appleton, WI have risen by $123/month (12.5%) over the past year, from $983 to $1,106. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Appleton, WI without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $34,640. The local median household income of $83,919 exceeds that threshold by $49,279, making Appleton relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Appleton, WI is $305,415, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 23.0. With a break-even horizon of approximately 23 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Appleton's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Central ($231,090 median home value), Downtown ($235,687 median home value), Old Third Ward ($263,539 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Appleton, WI Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Appleton?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Appleton

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.