Appleton, WI vs Monterey, CA
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
Monterey
62.7
#1834 nationally
Appleton leads in cost of living index (94 vs 192). Appleton leads in crime level (5.5 vs 10.5). Monterey leads in median household income ($98,003 vs $75,469).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Monterey, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.6 (#227) | 62.7 (#1834) |
| Population | 74,719 | 29,116 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $309,058 | $1,179,065 |
| Median Household Income | $75,469 | $98,003 |
| Average Commute | 19.4 min | 19.1 min |
| Walk Score | 44 | 53 |
| Crime Level | 5.5 | 10.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 192 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+10.2 | D+29.9 |
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-
62.7 Score
Monterey, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,179,065
Population
29,116
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
53
Pacific
View Monterey, CA →