City vs city
Appleton, WI vs Kalamazoo, MI
- Rent is 5% lower in Appleton (median $1,030/mo vs $1,078/mo in Kalamazoo).
- Homes cost 29% less in Kalamazoo ($179k vs $231k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $77 more a month after taxes and rent in Appleton.
- Schools rate higher in Appleton (7/10 vs 1.7/10).
- Appleton has less violent crime (1.9 vs 10.8 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
- Kalamazoo has milder winters (25°F vs 18°F average).
| Appleton | Kalamazoo | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,030/mo | $1,078/mo |
| Median home value | $231k | $179k |
| Median household income | $80k | $52k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,887 | $3,810 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | Yes |
| School rating | 7/10 | 1.7/10 |
| Violent crime | 47% below the US rate | 3.0× the US rate |
| Summer average | 82°F | 83°F |
| Winter average | 18°F | 25°F |
| Sunny days a year | 187 | 180 |
| Walk score | 43 | 38 |
| Population | 75,023 | 73,076 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
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