Rent comparison · HUD FY2026

Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI MSA vs Appleton, WI MSA

How do Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI MSA and Appleton, WI MSA rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.

$1,119
Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI MSA (1BR)
$960
Appleton, WI MSA (1BR)
+17%
1BR difference

Side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent comparison. Data from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Metro
Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI MSA
$1,119/mo 1BR
Population: 1,568,940
Metro
Appleton, WI MSA
$960/mo 1BR
Population: 242,972

A 1-bedroom in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI MSA is 17% more expensive than Appleton, WI MSA at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($1,119 vs $960). Both figures are the 40th percentile of gross rents (utilities included, telephone excluded) set by HUD for the federal fiscal year 2026. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher payment standards in each area are set between 90% and 110% of these FMR numbers. Source: HUD Fair Market Rents.

How Do Rents Compare By Bedroom?

Bedrooms Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI MSA Appleton, WI MSA Difference
Studio $1,027 $858 +$169 (+20%)
1 Bedroom $1,119 $960 +$159 (+17%)
2 Bedroom $1,338 $1,236 +$102 (+8%)
3 Bedroom $1,648 $1,701 −$53 (-3%)
4 Bedroom $1,784 $1,776 +$8 (+0%)

vs US National Average

National average 1BR: $959. Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI MSA is 17% above the US average. Appleton, WI MSA is 0% above.

Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).