Travel Nurse Pay in Appleton, Wisconsin: 2026 Cost of Living & GSA Rates
Economic analysis: GSA housing caps, average rent, and profitability verdict for travel nurses in Appleton.
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Economics Verdict
Profitable: Appleton Travel Nursing
GSA Housing Cap (Weekly)
$686/wk
≈ $2,970.38/mo
Avg Rent (1BR)
$1,000/mo
Margin
+$1,970.38/mo
Stipend covers rent
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.
Same state assignment. You'll pay 7.65% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$58.89
Based on 36 hours in WI.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,120
Taxable Weekly Income
$720
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$228
True Net Weekly Pay
$1,892
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$24,598
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$49,195
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$98,390
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$1,892
per week
Taxes
$228
per week
Total Gross: $2,120 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$1,000
≈ $4,330/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Wisconsin
$1,000
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$3,330
Your stipend covers rent with $3,330 left over each month.
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Cost of Living Analysis in Wisconsin
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Wisconsin's cost of living is lower than the national average by 3.9 points.
Housing Cost: Moderate
Utilities: Moderate
Rent data based on 2025 market averages. Actual rent may vary by neighborhood and housing type.
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Travel Nurse Pay in Appleton
Average Hourly Rate
$44/hr
Average Weekly Pay
$1,760
GSA Lodging Rate
$98/night
GSA Meal Rate
$59/day
Cost of Living in Appleton
Cost of Living Index
95 (Below National Average)
Studio
$800/mo
1 Bedroom
$1000/mo
2 Bedroom
$1300/mo
Top Hospitals in Appleton
- 🏥 Appleton Regional Medical
- 🏥 Appleton General Hospital
- 🏥 Community Health Appleton
In-Demand Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do travel nurses make in Appleton, Wisconsin?
Travel nurses in Appleton typically earn between $39 and $54 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $44/hr. When including tax-free stipends, the blended hourly rate ranges from $48-63 per hour.
What are the GSA rates for Appleton, Wisconsin?
The GSA per diem rates for Appleton are: Lodging: $98/night, Meals: $59/day, and Incidentals: $5/day. These rates determine the maximum tax-free stipend amounts travel nurses can receive. For official rates, visit [GSA.gov](https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates).
What is the cost of living in Appleton?
The cost of living index in Appleton is 95, which is below the national average. Average rent ranges from $800 for a studio to $1300 for a two-bedroom apartment.
What hospitals hire travel nurses in Appleton?
Top hospitals in Appleton that frequently hire travel nurses include Appleton Regional Medical, Appleton General Hospital, Community Health Appleton, and others. These facilities offer competitive pay rates and excellent working conditions for travel nurses.
What specialties are in demand in Appleton?
The most in-demand specialties for travel nurses in Appleton include Med-Surg, ER, ICU. These specialties typically offer higher pay rates and more contract opportunities.
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