2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Appleton, WI vs Waukegan, IL

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Highlights
Are people in Waukegan older or younger than people in Appleton?
- The Median Age in Waukegan is 2.3 years younger than in Appleton.

Are housing costs cheaper in Waukegan or Appleton?
- Waukegan housing costs are 18.4% less expensive than Appleton housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Waukegan or Appleton?
- The average commute for residents of Waukegan is 7.9 minutes longer than it is for residents of Appleton.

Things to do in Appleton?
Appleton, Wisconsin is a vibrant city located in the Northeastern region of the United States. Home to attractions such as History Museum at the Castle and Hearthstone Historic House Museum, visitors can explore outdoor activities and historical sites when visiting Appleton. There are also plenty of museums, galleries, and performance venues such as the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center and Heid Music Hall. For entertainment, visitors can explore boutique shops and restaurants along with movie theaters and live music clubs. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting night out, Appleton has something for everyone!

Things to do in Waukegan?
Waukegan, Illinois sits on Lake Michigan’s banks boasting 30 miles worth of sandy beaches perfect for sunbathing or playing beach volleyball along with other activities such as biking trails around Bowen Park or fly fishing in Mill Creek.

 Appleton, WIWaukegan, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock89,751329,725,481
 Median Income$68,364  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock34.238.4
 Avg. Home Price$222,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock10.2%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time18.26  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Appleton    23 Reviews

Just to clarify my earlier review, the people are generally unfriendly, except the overweight women( 90% of women here) are friendly. Tailgatings on 1-41 an 441 is very  More

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Over 7 years ago

Women here are very heavy. People are rude here, will cut you off in public and not say a word. People at the gym walk in and do not even look at you, even though you  More

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Over 8 years ago

Something is happening in Appleton. The place used to be called the shopping capital of Wisco. But, slowly this rather commercial-sounding moniker is being replaced by  More

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Reviews for Waukegan    3 Reviews

Great people, beautifully diverse. All live and work together to provide the best for all residents. Lake County College is completing a 40 million dollar building  More

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Over 12 years ago

We're looking for a moderate climate. Waukegan is on Lake Michigan and could have a dynamic vibrant downtown but it doesn't. Great master plan if somehow Waukegan can  More

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Over 17 years ago

I have been living in north east waukegan for 12 years and I am excited by the recent surge of growth in the downtown area. Thanks to the Genesee theater, there are  More

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