Side-by-side comparison of home prices, mortgage payments, and housing costs between Appleton and Green Bay, Wisconsin. Using Wisconsin's 1.76% property tax rate and $1,300/year insurance. Updated for 2026.
Green Bay edges out Appleton in affordability, saving you roughly $226/month on total housing costs. Both cities are in Wisconsin, so property tax rates and insurance costs are the same — the difference comes down to home prices and what you get for your money in each market.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI. Uses Wisconsin's 1.76% property tax rate.
Buying in Green Bay saves you approximately $226/month ($2,712/year) compared to Appleton, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Green Bay is the better choice for first-time buyers, with a median price of $225K versus $255K in Appleton. That's $30K less to save for a down payment. You'd need roughly $8K for an FHA 3.5% down payment in Green Bay, compared to $9K in Appleton. Wisconsin offers the WHEDA First-Time Advantage program (Up to $3,050 Easy Close grant) which applies in both cities.
Green Bay has the better price-to-rent ratio at 17.9x versus 19.7x in Appleton. A lower ratio generally signals better rental income relative to purchase price. Average rent in Green Bay is $1,050/month on a $225K median home, making it a stronger candidate for buy-and-rent investors.
Green Bay (pop. 107,395) offers more amenities, schools, and services typical of a larger city, while Appleton (pop. 75,644) may offer a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle. Green Bay offers both more options and lower housing costs, making it attractive for families who want urban amenities without a premium price.