A+
4%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
9%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Kenosha Wisconsin National
Cost of living9696100
Groceries10199100
Health care9998100
Housing9189100
Transportation9598100
Utilities99101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment10298100
Household Items9999100
Education & Childcare9298100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Kenosha, WI

Knowing the cost of living in Kenosha allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Kenosha stands at 96, marking it 4% lower than the national average.

In Kenosha, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Kenosha will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Kenosha Affordable?

Wondering if Kenosha is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Kenosha, for example, the median home price is 10.4% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 4.3% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Kenosha boasting a median household income of $84,370, which is 3.7% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Kenosha?

Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Kenosha, the transportation index is 4.7% lower than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Kenosha, healthcare costs are 1.5% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Kenosha cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Kenosha is 1% higher than the Wisconsin average
  • The cost of living in Kenosha is 4% lower than the national average
  • Kenosha housing is 9% lower than the national average
  • Wisconsin general sales tax is 2% lower than the national average
  • Wisconsin state income tax is 36% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Kenosha

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Compare Kenosha, WI Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$109,623$9,135$2,558$3,289
      Renters$52,812$4,401$1,232$1,585
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Kenosha, WI, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Kenosha have a median income of $109,623. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,558 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $52,812, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,232.

      Wisconsin Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Wisconsin 5% 6.75%

      Wisconsin Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Wisconsin 3.54% 7.65%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Racine, WI79,849909.7%
      Waukegan, IL90,063964.1%
      Zion, IL24,329963.7%
      Round Lake Beach, IL28,313981.7%
      Sturtevant, WI6,749982.0%
      Kenosha, WI102,872963.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Vista, CA102,77915858.2%
      Roanoke, VA102,987954.7%
      Vacaville, CA103,11315151.0%
      Spokane Valley, WA102,60011414.0%
      Boca Raton, FL102,41814848.0%
      Kenosha, WI102,872963.8%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.