Appleton, WI vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Appleton
77.6
#227 nationally
Austin
68.3
#1322 nationally
Appleton leads in average commute (19.4 min vs 26.8 min). Appleton leads in cost of living index (94 vs 129). Austin leads in median household income ($91,461 vs $75,469).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.6 (#227) | 68.3 (#1322) |
| Population | 74,719 | 967,862 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $309,058 | $504,148 |
| Median Household Income | $75,469 | $91,461 |
| Average Commute | 19.4 min | 26.8 min |
| Walk Score | 44 | 42 |
| Crime Level | 5.5 | Moderate |
| School Rating | N/A | 7.2 |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 129 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+10.2 | D+39.3 |
C+
77.6 Score
Appleton, WI
Wisconsin community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$309,058
Population
74,719
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
44
Midwest
View Appleton, WI →
D+
68.3 Score
Austin, TX
Live music capital meets tech innovation
Median Home
$504,148
Population
967,862
Crime
Moderate
Schools
B
Southwest
View Austin, TX →