A low cost of living, strong job market, and excellent education system have motivated more than 20,000 people to move to Wisconsin. But it’s not that easy for everyone. With a median home price of $303,921, Wisconsin can be expensive.
Should that stop you from moving to the Badger State? Absolutely NOT!
Cities like Marinette and Antigo offer several budget-friendly options. While Marinette offers a cost of living 24.9% lower than the national average, the median home price in Antigo is $162K.
Whether you’re a retiree or a young professional looking for exciting opportunities, Wisconsin has affordable housing for everyone. Let’s explore some of the cheapest places to live in Wisconsin!
4 Reasons to live in Wisconsin 🍑
- Cheaper Houses: The median home sale price in Wisconsin is ~$312K but you can get houses between $162K and $275K in cities like Antigo, Beloit and Appleton. This can save you thousands while enjoying better earning opportunities in the Peach State.
- Tax Benefits: Wisconsin offers taxpayers ways to reduce state taxes, including standard and itemized deductions, disaster assistance credits, and low-income tax credits.
- Affordable Utility: Monthly utilities in cities that are listed below is up to 30% lower than the national average.
- Cheaper Rentals: The rent prices of these cities are lower than the state average and national average. You can save up to $400 per month in rent.
Cheapest Places to Live in Wisconsin in 2024
This list provides insights into the average household income, median listing price, population, unemployment rate, and poverty rate of the cities.
| City | Median Household Income | Median Home Value | Population | Unemployment Rate | Poverty Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antigo | $45,041 | $162,321 | 8,054 | 6.2% | 20.5% |
| Beloit | $52,097 | $183,816 | 36,567 | 6.2% | 17.7% |
| Marinette | $50,589 | $182,385 | 11,025 | 5.6% | 14.3% |
| Racine | $48,238 | $193,168 | 77,705 | 7.7% | 19.8% |
| Prairie Du Chien | $47,235 | $192,351 | 5,549 | 6.2% | 13.9% |
| Merrill | $46,973 | $200,675 | 9,344 | 4.9% | 13.7% |
| Wisconsin Rapids | $46,644 | $208,450 | 18,711 | 2.5% | 15.8% |
| Oshkosh | $59,186 | $235,074 | 66,184 | 3.4% | 16.12% |
| Appleton | $75,469 | $275,496 | 74,719 | 3.1% | 8.8% |
| Wausau | $59,259 | $223,916 | 39,968 | 3.3% | 13.8% |
10 Cheapest Places to Live in WI
The cost of living in Wisconsin is 2% lower than the national average. The Badger state is still the home to some of the nation’s most expensive cities. However, the Badger State has several affordable living options amidst this disparity.
1. Antigo
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 25.1%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $162,321 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $875 |
| 🌅 Known For | Palace Twin Theatre |
Antigo is one of the most affordable places to live in Wisconsin. Its house rent costs range from $595 – $74,900. The residents also gets the benefits of a lower poverty rate, which has decreased by 15.5%, indicating a positive economic trend.
Antigo is recognized for its tree-lined streets and boasts a unique charm that reflects its cultural and historical significance. Apart from this, the city has two major employers such as Kretz Lumber Co and Volm Companies. These companies offer ample job opportunities
» Homes for Sale in Antigo, WI: Find your dream home in most cost effective places to live in Wisconsin.
2. Beloit
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 17.2%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $183,816 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,035 |
| 🏞️ Known For | Cherry Blossom Festival |
Beloit is one of the most budget-friendly cities in Wisconsin with an average home rent of $1,035. It also offers affordable housing which is 55.1% lower than the national average.
Beloit is known for its status as a cultural hub, featuring historic sites and a thriving music scene. The city hosts numerous historic homes that showcase its rich history and cultural significance.
Beyond its cultural attractions, Beloit also presents a range of employment opportunities. The city is home to several major employers, including Regal Beloit and Grand Avenue Market. These industries provide a diverse range of job options for residents and commuters alike.
» Homes for Sale in Beloit, WI: Browse affordable property listings in one of the inexpensive place to live.
3. Marinette
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 24.9%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $182,385 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $895 |
| 🏖️ Known For | Historic Landmarks |
With rental costs $617 cheaper the national average, Marinette stands as one of the most affordable cities to live in Wisconsin. The house rent price is between $750 – 2,400.
Marinette offers a vibrant cultural scene with activities including ballet, opera, drama, choral societies, art galleries, and museums. Additionally, the city also boasts a robust economy with a diverse range of employment opportunities. Major industries in the city include Kspg North America Inc and Ansul that are known in vehicle and chemical manufacturing sectors.
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4. Racine
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 13.8%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $193,168 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,100 |
| 🏖️ Known For | Columbus Museum |
Racine offers budget-friendly living with a median rent of $1,100, which is $412 lower than the national median. Additionally, grocery costs in Racine are 3.9% lower than the national average, making it one of the most affordable places to live in the state.
Racine is currently experiencing an arts and culture renaissance. There’s a lively scene with ballet, Broadway shows, and various art forms that are now a big part of daily life in the city.
Beyond its affordability and cultural offerings, Racine also presents a range of employment opportunities. The city is home to several major employers such as Racine Unified School District and Modine Manufacturing.
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5. Prairie Du Chien
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 22.6%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $192,351 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $350 |
| 🎨 Known For | Museum of Aviation |
Also called the “Home of Planes, Trains, and Heroes,” Warner Robins’ cost of living is 22.6% lower than the national average. The average transportation expenses are 33.7% lower than the national average. Also, the city has cheapest rent in Wisconsin of $350.
Prairie Du Chein affordable food, health, housing, and transportation facilities make the city one of the cheapest places to live in Wisconsin. Moreover, the city also provides major employment for its residents with top companies like Design Homes and Prairie Industries.
» Homes for Sale in Prairie Du Chien, WI: Search affordable houses in Wisconsin for sale.
6. Merrill
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 21.7%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $200,675 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $800 |
| 🏫 Known For | Architecture |
Merrill, Wisconsin, offers a surprisingly affordable cost of living, making it an attractive destination for many. The house rent in Merrill is between $590 – $1,100. With an average household income of $54,748, you can comfortably live in this city.
Merrill is a compelling real estate choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking affordable living in Wisconsin. The combination of low housing costs and a relatively affordable lifestyle has contributed to Merrill’s growing popularity. City also has top companies such as AGRA Industries and Church Mutual Insurance that helps the economy grow.
» Homes for Sale in Merrill, WI: Find a home in one of the cheapest places to live in Wisconsin.
7. Wisconsin Rapids
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 22.4%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $208,450 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $995 |
| 🖼️ Known For | Music Scene |
Wisconsin Rapids is one of the best places to live in Wisconsin. The median home price in Wisconsin Rapids is $208,450. The housing cost is 56.5% lower than the national average.
Wisconsin Rapids offers affordable housing and vibrant entertainment. Additionally, the city is known for its employment opportunities with companies like Solarus and Opportunity WoodTrust Bank.
» Homes for Sale in Wisconsin Rapids, WI: Find affordable and cheap homes in Wisconsin.
8. Oshkosh
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 18.5%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $235,074 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,100 |
| 🏭 Known For | Manufacturing of Overalls |
Oshkosh is known for its relatively low cost of living which is 18.5% lower than the national average. Home prices and rental rates in Oshkosh are generally lower than in larger metropolitan areas like Milwaukee and Madison.
As a major manufacturing hub, Oshkosh is home to many industries such as aerospace, automotive, and food processing. Winnebago Industries and Oshkosh Corporation are among those industries that contributes to the city’s growth.
» Homes for Sale in Oshkosh, WI: Search cheap houses in Wisconsin for sale.
9. Appleton
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 11.9%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $275,496 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,200 |
| 🎶 Known For | Mile of Music festival |
The median home price in Appleton, WI, is $275,496. This figure has been steadily increasing over the past year, reflecting a strong housing market. Utility and groceries are also 4-5% on an average cheaper than the national average.
Also, Appleton is a college town, with Lawrence University and the University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley being significant employers. The J.J. Keller Company is also leading provider of transportation safety and compliance solutions that offers employment in the city.
» Homes for Sale in Appleton, WI: Find homes in cheap affordable places to live in Wisconsin.
10. Wausau
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 15.3%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $223,916 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $890 |
| 🎨 Known For | Arts |
Wausau, offers surprisingly affordable cost of living with a 15.3% lower cost of living than the national average. The city also provides livability score of 90/100, for those seeking a high quality of life.
Wausau’s low crime rate, which is 28% lower than the national average, contributes to its peaceful atmosphere. Beyond its exceptional quality of life, Wausau also boasts a diverse job market. Major employers like Piper Products and Eastbay offer ample employment opportunities. This makes it an attractive destination for individuals seeking both a comfortable lifestyle and career growth.
» Homes for Sale in Wausau, WI: Find homes in safest and cheapest places to live in Wisconsin.
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The Bottom Line
The average cost of living in Wisconsin is 2% higher than the national average. It is also home to some of the most expensive cities in America. However, if you want to shift to Wisconsin, you can find affordable housing in cities like Antigo, Beloit, and Marinette are among the reasonable places to live.
Cities like Appleton and Oshkosh have a slightly expensive cost of living but provide better job opportunities. You must research the city’s home prices and living costs before relocating.
» Free Home Value Estimator: Get an estimate of property values with Wisconsin’s most accurate home value estimator.
Find Homes for Sale in WI Under Your Specific Budget
» 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.
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Research Methodology
We’ve created this list by considering factors such as cost of living, median home price, and rental price range. We have also accounted for the population, median household income, poverty rate, and unemployment rate in these cities.
To compile this list of the cheapest areas to live in Wisconsin, we have drawn data from the Economic Research Institute, World Population Review, Rent Cafe, and Zillow.
FAQs
Where is the cheapest place to live in Wisconsin?
The cheapest place to live in Minnesota 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!
What makes Wisconsin the cheapest place to live in?
No, it is not. The median home value is $312,369. 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.
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