14 Cheapest Places to Live in Wisconsin

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Wisconsin is a beautiful state with plenty of scenic views of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan.

If you’re contemplating moving to Wisconsin, you can count on many reasons to confirm your decision.

Moreover, you likely have a set budget that you’d like to stay close to when looking for a place to live in Wisconsin.

The average home sale price in Wisconsin is $344,900.

But don’t worry if this number doesn’t fit with your budget.

This guide will provide you with plenty of options to choose from, all of which offer affordable housing options to help you choose.

14 of the Cheapest Places to Live in Wisconsin

1. Racine

Racine takes the first spot for being one of the most affordable places to live in Wisconsin.

You’ll truly be able to find something to meet your budget, whether you are buying or renting here.

The median home sale price is $185,000, while the average rent paid for a one-bedroom is $840.

Racine has so many things to do and is only 30 miles away from Milwaukee if you’re looking for even more options.

Consider spending the day at the Racine North Beach or taking in the amazing views of Lake Michigan from either the Racine Breakwater Lighthouse or the Racine Overlook.

Downtown Racine also offers plenty of museums, shops, and restaurants.

2. Milwaukee

Milwaukee also made the list for offering affordable living for residents.

The median home sale price in Milwaukee is just $206,000, while the average rent is $1,480 for a one-bedroom.

Homeowners living in Milwaukee typically make an average of $43,125 per year.

Nearly 577,200 people make up the city of Milwaukee and for very good reason.

You can spend plenty of time outdoors, checking out Lincoln Park, Mitchell Park Domes, and Havenwoods State Forest.

McKinley Beach is also close by.

If you prefer something indoors, the Milwaukee Art Museum is worth a visit.

3. Oshkosh

Oshkosh is a well-known town in Wisconsin and is one you should consider adding to your list.

The median home price is $222,000, and the average rent paid for a one-bedroom is $899.

But what’s the nearest major metro area? Green Bay is located 50 miles away.

66,800 people call Oshkosh home. Oshkosh also has a lot to offer residents who are contemplating moving here.

The Asylum Point Lighthouse is worth exploring as it overlooks Lake Winnebago.

There are also plenty of waterfront restaurants that you’ll enjoy.

Best of all, there are a couple of museums in town, including the Oshkosh Public Museum and the Paine Art Center.

4. La Crosse

La Crosse is worth adding to your list if you’re looking for the most affordable town to move to in Wisconsin.

La Crosse has an average home sale price of $232,500.

The average rent for a one-bedroom is $849.

It’s just a tad bit more expensive compared to Oshkosh.

La Crosse offers several hot attractions you may want to check out, including Riverside Park.

Riverside Park is located just along the Mississippi River.

You can also check out Grandad Bluff Park and look at some amazing views of La Crosse.

Museums, such as the Dahl Auto Museum, are also located in the city.

5. West Allis

Just slightly more expensive than La Crosse, but also worth adding to your list, is West Allis.

Those contemplating buying a home will pay an average of $245,000, while renters will pay an average of $995.

West Allis provides you with the benefits of city life without having to live in a big town.

The good news is that Milwaukee is just 7 miles away, for those who want easy access to more amenities.

You’ll find McCarty Park in West Allis, where you can check out McCarty Pond.

The town also hosts different events at the Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center.

Moreover, the Milwaukee County Zoo is just several minutes away.

6. Kenosha

If you’re already familiar with Kenosha, you probably weren’t aware of how affordable it is to live here.

Kenosha’s median home sale price is $246,500.

If you prefer to rent, you’ll pay an average of $1,044 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Milwaukee is 40 miles away for those looking for easy access to a larger town.

Nearly 99,900 residents call Kenosha home.

Home prices are nearly $100,000 less than the average in Wisconsin.

Kenosha also offers a lot of activities, including the Kenosha Sand Dunes, Simmons Island Beach, the Kenosha Public Museum, and the Dinosaur Discovery Museum.

7. Appleton

Next on the list in terms of affordability is Appleton, WI.

Appleton is worth considering, as it has an average home sale price of $258,000.

Rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages around $1,325.

Green Bay is the nearest major town, located just 32 miles away.

Roughly 75,600 people call Appleton home.

It’s worth a shot at considering, as they offer plenty of attractions.

Feel free to check out the Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve or explore one of several museums, including The History Museum at the Castle, the Hearthstone Historic House Museum, and even Sunset Park.

8. Janesville

Janesville may not be as popular as any of the other towns on the list unless you’re already familiar with Wisconsin.

But it’s a town worth taking into consideration in terms of affordability.

Nearly 65,600 people call Janesville home.

The average cost of a home here is $259,000, and the average rent paid for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,034.

Madison is just 40 miles away, which is known as the nearest major town.

If you decide to move to Janesville, be sure to visit the Rotary Botanical Gardens, where you’ll find more than 20 acres of gardens and paths.

The downtown Janesville area is also nice.

9. Green Bay

Believe it or not, the popular Green Bay city has also made the list as one of the most affordable places to live in Wisconsin.

Those considering buying will pay an average price of $287,450, while renters will pay an average of $899 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Common things to do in Green Bay include the Green Bay Botanical Gardens, watching a Green Bay Packers game at Lambeau Field, and visiting Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary Nature Center.

The riverfront also has plenty of museums, shops, and restaurants to try out.

10. Eau Claire

Eau Claire also made the list as one of the cheapest towns in Wisconsin to live in.

The median home sale price in the city is $300,000, while $975 is the average rent paid for a one-bedroom apartment.

Nearly 70,000 people call Eau Claire home.

The city also offers a lot of attractions, including Carson Park, which is ideal for those who enjoy hiking.

You can also visit the local history museum or visit downtown Eau Claire.

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire campus is also located in town.

11. Marinette

Marinette is known for being entirely affordable.

The median household income among residents living here is $42,788.

Homeowners pay an average of $1,270 per year for property taxes.

Marinette is located right along Lake Michigan and the Menominee River.

You’ll enjoy various waterside views around the town.

If you’re looking for exciting things to do in Marinette, consider visiting Red Arrow Park or the Seagull Bar State Natural Area.

12. Two Rivers

Two Rivers earned its name following the merging of the East and West Twin Rivers.

It’s also known for offering affordable housing and a comfortable cost of living.

The average median household income for those living here is $47,228.

Moreover, homeowners pay an average of $1,858 in property taxes.

If you consider yourself an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll love exploring nature, perhaps in your backyard.

The Van Der Brohe Arboretum & Sanctuary and the Point Beach Ridges State Natural Area are also worth visiting.

13. Merrill

Don’t forget to add Merrill to your list.

The average median household income in Merrill is $48,159.

Homeowners pay an average of $1,433 in property taxes.

Merrill is located in Lincoln County and offers affordable living for those looking for it.

You’ll quickly notice that the Wisconsin River flows through the town, so you’ll find plenty of waterside parks and opportunities to enjoy your favorite water activity.

Merrill also has various local breweries in town to check out.

14. Beloit

Last on the list for being one of the most affordable places to live in Wisconsin is Beloit.

The median household income among residents living in Beloit is $43,651.

Beloit is an amazing town to live in, as it is located right along the Wisconsin and Illinois border.

Besides affordability, you’ll be able to benefit from living in a safe town.

Beloit is home to nearly 36,000 residents.

There are also a lot of attractions to check out in Beloit, including various art museums, theaters, and, of course, hiking along the river.

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