A+
8%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
23%
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 Oshkosh Wisconsin National
Cost of living9296100
Groceries9999100
Health care9698100
Housing7789100
Transportation9998100
Utilities102101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9498100
Household Items9899100
Education & Childcare10198100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Oshkosh, WI

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Oshkosh? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Oshkosh stands at 92, making it 8% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

The cost of living in Oshkosh is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

Is Oshkosh Affordable?

Wondering if Oshkosh 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 Oshkosh, for example, the median home price is 24.9% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 18.2% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Oshkosh boasting a median household income of $75,890, which is 6.7% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Oshkosh?

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum 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 farming subsidies. Areas offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Oshkosh, the utilities index registers at 2.1% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Oshkosh 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 Oshkosh is 4% lower than the Wisconsin average
  • The cost of living in Oshkosh is 8% lower than the national average
  • Oshkosh housing is 23% 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 Oshkosh

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Compare Oshkosh, 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$104,666$8,722$2,442$3,140
      Renters$50,754$4,230$1,184$1,523
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Oshkosh, WI, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Oshkosh, the median monthly income is $104,666 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,442 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $50,754, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,184 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Van Dyne, WI2418811.9%
      Ripon, WI8,110909.9%
      North Fond du Lac, WI5,236909.5%
      Menasha, WI18,920918.6%
      Neenah, WI27,049927.6%
      Oshkosh, WI69,404927.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Victoria, TX69,412955.5%
      Lehi, UT69,36612828.1%
      Rogers, AR69,327963.6%
      Jackson, TN69,498937.3%
      Grande Prairie, AB69,512n/a 
      Oshkosh, WI69,404927.9%
      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.