Wisconsin attracts Americans from all over. And there are good reasons why: Low cost of living, quality education and cheaper houses. You can’t go wrong with the Badger State!
Although property prices have risen in recent years, the average home value in the top 10 cheapest cities is still only around $200,000. Antigo’s cost of living is 25.1% lower than the national average, and Marinette is 24.9% more affordable than the rest of the country.
But that’s not all! Retirees can enjoy Merrill’s friendly community and peaceful environment, with homes averaging a nominal $199K. Meanwhile, Appleton offers a booming job market in education, healthcare, and technology, with median home prices at just $272,735.
Cheapest Places to Live in Wisconsin in 2024
Here’s our ranking of the most affordable places to live in Wisconsin. We’ve considered the average household income, median list price, median house rent, and the population of the cities.
| City | Median Home Value | Median House Rent | Cost of Living Compared to National Average | Median Household Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Antigo | $161,158 | $775 | 25.1% lower ⬇️ | $45,581 | 7,974 |
| 2. Beloit | $180,284 | $988 | 17.2% lower ⬇️ | $57,168 | 36,342 |
| 3. Marinette | $178,725 | $983 | 24.9% lower ⬇️ | $54,969 | 11,045 |
| 4. Racine | $191,884. | $1,050 | 13.8% lower ⬇️ | $52,766 | 76,602 |
| 5. Prairie Du Chien | $193,435 | $600 | 22.6% lower ⬇️ | $52,400 | 5,373 |
| 6. Merrill | $199,030 | $800 | 21.7% lower ⬇️ | $48,378 | 9,089 |
| 7. Wisconsin Rapids | $206,166 | $995 | 22.4% lower ⬇️ | $51,186 | 18,670 |
| 8. Oshkosh | $234,246 | $1,199 | 18.5% lower ⬇️ | $59,186 | 66,184 |
| 9. Appleton | $272,735 | $1,249 | 11.9% lower ⬇️ | $75,469 | 74,719 |
| 10. Wausau | $219,673 | $925 | 15.3% lower ⬇️ | $59,259 | 39,968 |
10 Cheapest Places to Live in Wisconsin
Here’s our list of 10 cities that offer affordable living options in the Badger State:
#1 Antigo
- Median house rent is $775 | Rental prices range between $535 and $79,900.
- Median home value of Antigo is $161,158.
- Cost of living in Antigo is 25.1% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Antigo, WI: 54016 | 54017 | 54843
Antigo’s poverty rate has fallen by 15.5% over the last year, which indicates a positive economic trend. Known for its urban infrastructure, the city is dotted with tree-lined streets and historical buildings like the Carnegie Library. Kretz Lumber Co and Volm Companies are two major employers in the city.
» Antigo Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in one of the most affordable places to live in Wisconsin.
#2 Beloit
- Median house rent is $988 | Rental prices range between $600 and $2,200.
- Median home value of Beloit is $180,284.
- Cost of living in Beloit is 17.2% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Beloit, WI: 54016 | 54017 | 54843
Beloit is renowned for annual cultural events, the most famous of which is the Beloit International Film Festival. It also houses the Rockton River Market, known for its music, food, and artisan vendors. Housing costs 55.1% less than the US median, which makes it ideal for single families. Regal Beloit and Grand Avenue Market are key local employers.
» Beloit Homes for Sale: Browse affordable properties in one of the most inexpensive places to live in WI.
#3 Marinette
- Median house rent is $983 | Rental prices range between $745 and $1,700.
- Median home value of Marinette is $178,725.
- Cost of living in Marinette is 24.9% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Marinette, WI: 54016 | 54017 | 54843
Healthcare in Marinette costs 4.5% less than the national average. This makes the city highly affordable for seniors, or individuals that require medical care. It offers scenic views of the Menominee River and houses historical sites such as the Marinette County Historical Society. Major companies in the city include Kspg North America Inc. and Ansul.
» Marinette Homes for Sale: Explore homes in one of the most affordable cities to live in Wisconsin.
#4 Racine
- Median house rent is $1,050 | Rental prices range between $125 and $3,300.
- Median home value of Racine is $191,884.
- Cost of living in Racine is 13.8% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Racine, WI: 54016 | 54017 | 54843
Racine is budget-friendly, and groceries cost 3.9% less than the US median. It is also an important center for arts and culture. The annual 16th Street Studios Open House offers a look inside artists’ workspaces at the Racine Arts and Business Center. Also, the Racine Unified School District and Modine Manufacturing are key local employers.
» Racine Homes for Sale: Explore affordable homes in WI.
Try Wisconsin’s #1 Mortgage Calculator to see how much house you can afford. Get an instant amortization schedule and a detailed cost breakdown for free💲.
5. Prairie Du Chien
- Median house rent is $600 | Rental prices range between $300 and $850.
- Median home value of Prairie Du Chien is $193,435.
- Cost of living in Prairie Du Chien is 22.6% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Prairie Du Chien, WI: 54016 | 54017 | 54843
Transportation in Prairie Du Chein costs 33.7% less than the US median. Low rental rates further make it one of the best places to live in Wisconsin for young adults. The 3M Company and Cabela’s are two top employers locally. Prarie Du Chien is also home to the Wyalusing State Park, which offers stunning views of the Mississippi River.
» Prairie Du Chein Homes for Sale: Find a home in one of the cheapest places to rent in Wisconsin.
#6 Merrill
- Median house rent is $800 | Rental prices range between $475 and $1,755.
- Median home value of Merrill is $199,030.
- Cost of living in Merrill is 21.7% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Merrill, WI: 54016 | 54017 | 54843
Healthcare costs in Merrill are 2.7% below the national average. Quiet, suburban, waterfront homes make it one of the best places to live in Wisconsin for retirees. The Wisconsin Riverfront offers ample scope for walks and activities like fishing and kayaking. The Merrill Historical Society and the historic Cosmo Theatre are also popular spots.
» Merrill Homes for Sale: Find a home in one of the cheapest places to live in Wisconsin.
#7 Wisconsin Rapids
- Median house rent is $995 | Rental prices range between $750 and $1,925.
- Median home value of Wisconsin Rapids is $206,166.
- Cost of living in Wisconsin Rapids is 22.4% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Wisconsin Rapids, WI: 54016 | 54017 | 54843
With low living costs, and the presence of major employers like the Verso Corporation, Wisconsin Rapids is an ideal destination for job seekers. Fishing, boating, and hiking at Nepco Lake and Lake Wazeecha are popular among residents for recreation. The Community Theater and the Cranberry Blossom Festival are also popular tourist spots.
» Wisconsin Rapids Homes for Sale: Find affordable and cheap houses in Wisconsin.
8. Oshkosh
- Median house rent is $1,199 | Rental prices range between $590 and $4,800.
- Median home value of Oshkosh is $234,246.
- Cost of living in Oshkosh is 18.5% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Oshkosh, WI: 54016 | 54017 | 54843
Oshkosh is one of the safest cities in Wisconsin with a crime rate of 13.8%, far lower than the US average of 22.7%. It is also home to the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, which makes it ideal for families and students. The Oshkosh Public Museum and the EAA Aviation Museum are also popular locally for recreation and day-outs.
» Oshkosh Homes for Sale: Explore houses in one of the cheapest cities to live in Wisconsin.
#9 Appleton
- Median house rent is $1,249 | Rental prices range between $525 and $3,000.
- Median home value of Appleton is $272,735.
- Cost of living in Appleton is 11.9% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Appleton, WI: 54016 | 54017 | 54843
Appleton is a college town, where Lawrence University and the University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley are also key employers. Utility and groceries in Appleton are 4-5% cheaper than the national average as well, which makes it ideal for college students. It also houses the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, which hosts Broadway shows and concerts.
» Appleton Homes for Sale: Find homes in cheap affordable places to live in Wisconsin.
10. Wausau
- Median house rent is $925 | Rental prices range between $495 and $3,557.
- Median home value of Wausau is $219,673.
- Cost of living in Wausau is 15.3% cheaper than the national average.
- 3 Popular Zips in Wausau, WI: 54016 | 54017 | 54843
Wausau offers a high quality of life, with a livability score of 90/100. The Northcentral Technical College and UW-Stevens Point also offer quality college education. Proximity to the Wisconsin River and Rib Mountain State Park further imparts it with unprecedented natural beauty. Key local employers include Piper Products and Eastbay.
» Wausau Homes for Sale: Get affordable homes in one of the cheapest cities in Wisconsin.
So, Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live in Wisconsin?
Antigo, Beloit, and Marinette are some of the cheapest cities that offer houses for sale in Wisconsin under 150K. They also have stable job opportunities and a low cost of living, which is far more affordable than other Wisconsin cities.
Cities like Appleton and Oshkosh are slightly expensive but have better job opportunities and a higher median income. Get a mortgage pre-approval to stand out from the competition and to know how much to budget for your next house.
Get a Home Loan in Wisconsin🏡
Select Your Loan Type
-
New Home Purchase
-
Mortgage Refinance
-
Cash-out Refinance
📢 Check Out Budget-Friendly Homes for Sale in Wisconsin
Here are a few options of cheap houses for sale in WI.
» Best Rental Websites in America: Can’t find your dream home within your budget? Explore thousands of listings on the nation’s top rental websites.
Find An Affordable House With Houzeo
With thousands of property listings, Houzeo.com is one of the biggest property listing sites in the US. Find condos, townhouses, co-ops, and other types of tiny homes for sale in Wisconsin on Houzeo.
» Need More Clarity? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.
Research Methodology
To rank the top cities in Wisconsin, we analyzed all the regions, evaluating them based on specific criteria. Below is a breakdown of the factors used and the sources of information that informed our rankings.
- Population: World Population Review [1]
- Median Home Price: Zillow [2]
- Median Rent: Zillow [3]
- Cost of Living: Rent Cafe [4]
Frequently Asked Quentions
Where is the cheapest place to live in Wisconsin?
The cheapest place to live in Wisconsin is Antigo. It offers one of the most affordable utilities in the state, which is 25.1% lower than the national average.
» 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Wisconsin: Find out the other cheapest places to live in Wisconsin.
Is Wisconsin expensive to live in?
Yes, it is. The median home value is $306,566. If you're looking for cities with affordable housing and a low cost of living, you can try your luck in some of these cheapest places in America.
Where is the best place to live in Wisconsin?
The best place to live in Wisconsin is Eau Claire, followed by Green Bay, Brookfield, Racine, La Crosse, Appleton, and Madison.
Which Wisconsin city has the lowest cost of living?
Antigo has the lowest cost of living, which is 25.1% and 16.7% lower than the national and state average, respectively.
