Wisconsin is absolutely packed with outdoor activities, wineries, breweries, and cultural events. It’s also home to some of America’s best cheese products, giving it the nickname America’s Dairyland. The job market is on the rise in Wisconsin, too. By 2030, analysts predict the state will have 6.3% job market growth, totalling well over 3 million jobs.

There are also many opportunities for affordable living to be found here. Keep reading to explore the best places to live in Wisconsin for every stage of life.

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Best Places to Live in Wisconsin

A little bit of something can be found for everyone in Wisconsin. Whether you’re looking for waterside, city, or small-town living, you can find it here. Here are our top picks for the best places in Wisconsin to live when cost is a consideration.

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Best Affordable Places to Live in Wisconsin

Compared to the rest of the nation’s cost of living by state, Wisconsin is an affordable state to live in. However, here are our top five overall favorites for the most affordable locations.

1. Madison

As the capital of Wisconsin, Madison has organically and comfortably grown into being a cultural hub of the Midwest. Art, dining, music, and politics are frequently front and center, and the city is also home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

• Population: 272,903
• Median Household Income: $70,466
• Cost of Living: 105% of U.S. average
• Median Rent Price: $1,610
• Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.23
• Average Property Tax: 2.11%

Housing Affordability: The average rent in Madison is well below the national average. The home price-to-income ratio is fairly low compared to other cities across the country, so it’s an affordable city to live in, even with a slightly higher cost of living.

Image Credit: RudyBalasko/istockphoto.

2. La Crosse

La Crosse is known for its well-preserved downtown architecture and beautiful surrounding parks. As a college town, it offers many notable restaurants and bars in which to fill your evenings. Plus, there’s usually a festival just around the corner, such as Riverfest or the Blue River Folk Festival.

• Population: 51,380
• Median Household Income: $47,067
• Cost of Living: 92% of U.S. average
• Median Rent Price: $1,100
• Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.05
• Average Property Tax: 1.99%

Housing Affordability: The median rent price in La Crosse is steady, with no change year-over-year. Overall, the rental market is cool in this area, so, if this area intrigues you, you may not have much difficulty finding the perfect place. The home price-to-income ratio, however, is 5.05, suggesting your dollar will go further here than in other cities. Visit a home loan help center to learn more about mortgage options.

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3. Brookfield

If you’re a golfer, Brookfield may be just the place for you. The city has a few notable golf courses that attract both enthusiasts and professionals alike. Brookfield is also known as an established business epicenter, which has contributed to the city’s overall ‘professional’ and ‘orderly’ design. But, the city is also known for its shopping, dining, and outdoor parks, too.

• Population: 41,958
• Median Household Income: $110,616
• Cost of Living: 104% of U.S. average
• Median Rent Price: $2,250
• Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.08
• Average Property Tax: 1.40%

Housing Affordability: The average rent price in Brookfield is more than the national average, and home values have increased over 7% since last year. The rental market, on the other hand, is cool for the city as a whole. If you do want to buy a home in this competitive market, follow these tips to qualify for a mortgage.

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4. Green Bay

Home to the Green Bay Packers, Green Bay is at the mouth of the Fox River and borders Lake Michigan. There is a large paper industry in the region, and the city also has many dining and entertainment options.

• Population: 106,095
• Median Household Income: $55,221
• Cost of Living: 86% of U.S. average
• Median Rent Price: $945
• Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.92
• Average Property Tax: 1.83%

Housing Affordability: The median rent in Green Bay is fairly steady, with just a slight increase over last year. The home price-to-income ratio is relatively low at 3.92, so it’s still an affordable city to live in. Overall, the market temperature is cool. If you’re a new homebuyer, use a first-time homebuyer guide to discover how the process works before you start house hunting.

Image Credit: Wirestock/istockphoto.

5. Waukesha

Waukesha is home to Carroll University as well as numerous natural springs. In fact, in the late 19th century, the city’s springs were believed to hold healing powers, and people came from all over the country to sample the waters. Today, the city has festivals throughout the year, and the downtown area has numerous fine dining options.

• Population: 70,454
• Median Household Income: $71,733
• Cost of Living: 93% of U.S. average
• Median Rent Price: $1,205
• Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.25
• Average Property Tax: 1.40%

Housing Affordability: The average rent price in Waukesha is on the rise, indicating a fairly warm market. The home price-to-income ratio, however, is 3.25 which is significantly lower than the state average 4.28.

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Best Places to Live in Wisconsin for Families

Growing your family and looking for somewhere to spread some roots? Check these cities out to get your imagination rolling.

1. Eau Claire

Eau Claire, which is French for clear water, has a rising arts and music scene, with music festivals devoted to jazz, folk, bluegrass, country and more sprinkled through the calendar. The city also hosts public family events throughout the year.

• Population: 272,903
• Median Household Income: $70,466
• Cost of Living: 90% of U.S. average
• Median Rent Price: $1,275
• Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.01
• Average Property Tax: 1.81%

Housing Affordability: The average rent in Eau Claire is higher than the state average, but is $800 less than the national average. Prices are fairly steady with just a slight rise from the previous year. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.01, which is less than the state average of 4.28. Before you start looking for your next home, learn how the mortgage preapproval process works.

(Learn more: Personal Loan Calculator) 

Image Credit: Wolterk/istockphoto.

2. Mequon

Mequon is known for its low tax rates, though parents know it better for having one of the best-ranked public school systems in the state. Golf courses and parks can be found throughout the city, and regulations require low-density zoning regulations, so the city still largely consists of farmland.

• Population: 25,337
• Median Household Income: $135,425
• Cost of Living: 105% of U.S. average
• Median Rent Price: $2,195
• Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.22
• Average Property Tax: 1.41%

Housing Affordability: Mequon has a home price-to-income ratio of 4.22, which is less than the state average. The average rent in the city, however, is significantly more than the state average. The good news is that the rental market has cooled slightly year over year..

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons.

3. Sun Prairie

Sun Prairie is the birthplace of Georgia O’Keeffe, and has several museums within the city. Families appreciate its exceptional public school system and surrounding parks, and the city, which has been growing rapidly, has embarked on a systematic development plan to ensure expansion suits all of its communities.

• Population: 36,653
• Median Household Income: $83,409
• Cost of Living: 95% of U.S. average
• Median Rent Price: $1,515
• Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.49
• Average Property Tax: 2.11%

Housing Affordability: The average rent in Sun Prairie is slightly higher than last year, but overall the market is still considered cool. But the home price-to-income ratio is 4.49, which is higher than the state average of 4.28.

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4. Germantown

Germantown is in southeastern Wisconsin. It’s a relatively small city, but is close to Milwaukee, so families get the best of both worlds.

• Population: 21,015
• Median Household Income: $94,278
• Cost of Living: 95% of U.S. average
• Median Rent Price: $1,395
• Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.25
• Average Property Tax: 1.38%

Housing Affordability: The home price-to-income ratio of Germantown is just below than the state average. The rental market is heating up, with the average monthly rent higher than it was last year.

Image Credit: germantown by Gpwitteveen (CC BY-SA).

5. Wauwatosa

The city has a charming shopping district known as ‘Tosa,’ and is very close to the Milwaukee County Zoo for animal-loving kids and adults alike.

• Population: 47,289
• Median Household Income: $90,420
• Cost of Living: 102% of U.S. average
• Median Rent Price: $1,475
• Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.01
• Average Property Tax: 1.40%

Housing Affordability: The median rent in Wauwatosa is higher than the state average. Potential homebuyers, however, will appreciate the home price-to-income ratio, which is less than the state average. Before you start heading to open houses, learn the difference between mortgage prequalification and preapproval.

Image Credit: Wauwatosa along the banks of the Menomonee River by Schwnj (CC BY).

Best Places to Live in Wisconsin for Young Adults

When you’re just starting your adulting journey, it’s important to be in the right town in order to get a good mix of opportunities and activities. When also considering affordability, we recommend the following five cities for young adults in Wisconsin.

1. Milwaukee

Milwaukee hosts several large music festivals each year, and is home to eight colleges within the city itself (not to mention several that are on the outskirts of the city). It’s also home to multiple breweries, including Miller and Pabst. Add in dining and shopping, and it’s a hotbed for young adults.

• Population: 563,305
• Median Household Income: $45,318
• Cost of Living: 104% of U.S. average
• Median Rent Price: $1,200
• Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.23
• Average Property Tax: 2.53%

Housing Affordability: The average rent in Milwaukee is steadily on the rise. The home price-to-income ratio is just under the state average, so overall it’s a cheaper city than some others in Wisconsin.

Image Credit: Sean Pavone/istockphoto.

2. Wausau

Wausau has a number of outdoor recreational activities, such as Wausau Whitewater park and Granite Peak Ski. It also has a bustling downtown area for young professionals to enjoy, along with a vibrant music scene with venues such as The Grand Theater.

• Population: 39,833
• Median Household Income: $53,800
• Cost of Living: 82% of U.S. average
• Median Rent Price: $895
• Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.78
• Average Property Tax: 1.87%

Housing Affordability: The average rent in Wausau is cheaper than the state average, but has risen since last year. The home price-to-income ratio, however, is quite low, making it a great place to buy your first home.

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3. Kenosha

Kenosha has several hot spots for young adults, including Simmons Island Beach, Petrifying Springs Park, and downtown Kenosha. While all of those things are worth multiple repeat visits, nothing beats Mars Cheese Castle, which is one of the best specialty food stores in Wisconsin.

• Population: 98,484
• Median Household Income: $60,219
• Cost of Living: 96% of U.S. average
• Median Rent Price: $1,275
• Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.19
• Average Property Tax: 2.10%

Housing Affordability: The home price-to-income ratio in Kenosha is 4.19, which is smaller than the state average of 4.28, but bigger than other areas, such as Wausau. The median rent has risen slightly since last year. Still, it’s not a huge spike so you may not have too much competition if you choose to call Kenosha home.

Image Credit: Wirestock/istockphoto.

4. Sheboygan

Sheboygan has plenty of parks for outdoor enthusiasts, such as Kohler-Andrae State Park, and offers shopping opportunities in its downtown district for weekend strolls. Top employers here are Kohler, Bemis Manufacturing, and the cheese company Sargento Foods.

• Population: 49,773
• Median Household Income: $55,041
• Cost of Living: 84% of U.S. average
• Median Rent Price: $1,149
• Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.83
• Average Property Tax: 1.84%

Housing Affordability: The average median rent is on par with a lot of cities in Wisconsin, but is slightly more than the state average. While rent prices are on the rise, the home price-to-income ratio is only 3.83. That’s cheaper than both the state average and the national average.

Image Credit: sstevens3/istockphoto.

5. Madison

Madison has a bustling farmer’s market and an active performing arts sector. Trails and parks can also be found in and around the city. If you’re on the hunt for a job, this city has seen steady growth. In September of 2023 alone, 7,000 new non-farming jobs were added.

• Population: 272,903
• Median Household Income: $70,466
• Cost of Living: 105% of U.S. average
• Median Rent Price: $1,625
• Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.24
• Average Property Tax: 2.11%

Housing Affordability: The average rent in Madison is on the rise from last year. In addition to more expensive rent prices, the home price-to-income ratio is also high compared to the rest of the state. The state average is 4.28, but Madison’s average is 5.24.

Image Credit: YinYang/istockphoto.

Best Places to Live in Wisconsin for Retirees

When you’re ready to retire, you need somewhere that’s both affordable and active. Check out the five towns below for your next phase of life.

1. Columbus

While property taxes are higher in Columbus than the state average of $3,007, Columbus City has a fairly large population of people 65 and older. According to the latest census data, 15% of the population consists of retirees. Columbus hosts an antique mall, curling club, and has a few arts and crafts fairs throughout the year.

• Population: 5,484
• Median Household Income: $62,833
• Cost of Living: 94% of U.S. average
• Median Rent Price: $1,700
• Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.27
• Average Property Tax: 1.69%

Housing Affordability: The average rent in Columbus saw a big spike over the last year, which could impact affordability for retirees. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.27, which is on par with the state average.

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons.

2. Merrill

Approximately 20.4% of Merrill’s population is 65 years or older and there are a number of things to do in Merrill to keep residents busy, such as golf courses, snow skiing, fishing, and hiking in local state parks. Merrill also has a bustling downtown, complete with shopping, dining, and a movie theater.

• Population: 9,122
• Median Household Income: $46,973
• Cost of Living: 100% of U.S. average
• Median Rent Price: $812
• Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.84
• Average Property Tax: 1.65%

Housing Affordability: The median monthly rent in Merrill is on the decline compared to last year. Additionally, the home price-to-income ratio is 3.84, which is significantly lower than many other places in Wisconsin, making it great for seniors on a fixed income.

Image Credit: Colorful autumn trees reflecting off of the Wisconsin River in Merrill, Wisconsin by Royalbroil (CC BY-SA).

3. Cedarburg

Approximately one in five Cedarburg residents is 65-plus. Cedarburg is known for its winery and brewery, and has plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy while you’re not shopping and dining in its historic downtown. Make sure to visit the Cedarburg Covered Bridge while you’re exploring — it’s picture worthy!

• Population: 12,421
• Median Household Income: $79,935
• Cost of Living: 98% of U.S. average
• Median Rent Price: $2,395
• Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.95
• Average Property Tax: 1.41%

Housing Affordability: The monthly average for rent in Cedarburg is higher than other areas on our list. The real estate market is also warm, with the home price-to-income ratio higher than other areas. Currently Cedarburg is 5.95, which is higher than the state average of 4.28.

Image Credit: TalbotImages/istockphoto.

4. Burlington

Property taxes are on the higher side here, but this town has a lot going for it. With plenty of coffee shops, shopping, and a museum devoted to yo-yos and spinning tops, you may just feel like you fell into a Hallmark Movie.

• Population: 11,005
• Median Household Income: $71,793
• Cost of Living: 86.2% of U.S. average
• Median Rent Price: $995
• Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.25
• Average Property Tax: 2.07%

Housing Affordability: The average rent has dropped significantly over the last year. The home price-to-income ratio of 4.25 is lower than other areas, but is on par with the state average.

Image Credit: City hall Burlington by Commonist (CC BY-SA).

5. Bristol

With antique malls, golf clubs, wineries, breweries, and a renaissance faire, it’s easy to find something to do any day of the week. Plus, you’re just a few minutes away from cities like Kenosha and Milwaukee. About one-fifth of the residents here are over age 65.

• Population: 5,178
• Median Household Income: $95,577
• Cost of Living: 90.8% of U.S. average
• Median Rent Price: $1,370
• Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.58
• Average Property Tax: 2.10%

Housing Affordability: The home price-to-income ratio is high here, with the average home value in Bristol topping $500,000. Rents are more affordable, and the village has recently built new affordable-housing options for those 55 and over.

Image Credit: ©TripAdvisor.

Best Places to Live in Wisconsin Near the Lake

Nevada is home to mountains, deserts, rivers, and stunning lakes, providing ample opportunity for outdoor recreation.

1. Lake Geneva

This area offers scenic views year round. Lake Geneva has a number of things to do for every age and income. You could enjoy a lake cruise, museum visit, or a trip downtown after visiting a local winery. Or simply stroll the Shore Path with its views of historic homes and pretty sailboats.

• Population: 8,544
• Median Household Income: $59,162
• Cost of Living: 93% of U.S. average
• Median Rent Price: $1,734
• Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 5.77
• Average Property Tax: 1.72%

Housing Affordability: Lake Geneva’s average rent has dropped slightly from last year. The overall rental market is cool, but the home price-to-income ratio is 5.77 — high compared to other cities in Wisconsin but to be expected in a popular summer tourism destination.

Image Credit: Vinay Pathak /istockphoto.

2. Port Washington

Property taxes are more than double the state average in Port Washington, but the area comes with some serious perks. It has a beautiful harbor and downtown area, local trails, and numerous places to dock your own sea vessel for evening fishing excursions.

• Population: 12,753
• Median Household Income: $70,333
• Cost of Living: 107.2% of U.S. average
• Median Rent Price: $893
• Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.59
• Average Property Tax: 1.41%

Housing Affordability: The median rent in Port Washington has been on the downward trend compared to last year. While the home price-to-income ratio of 4.59 is higher than some areas, it’s not too far above the state average of 4.28.

Image Credit: DougLemke/istockphoto.

3. Oconomowoc

Shopping, dining, boating, and fishing opportunities, as well as breweries and wineries, decorate this little town. When you need to stretch your legs, we recommend taking a stroll along the Ice Age Trail for a unique outdoor experience.

• Population: 18,505
• Median Household Income: $95,914
• Cost of Living: 107.3% of U.S. average
• Median Rent Price: $1,456
• Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.54
• Average Property Tax: 1.40%

Housing Affordability: Rent in Oconomowoc has dropped substantially year-over-year. The housing market, on the other hand, is slightly more stable. The home price-to-income ratio is about the same for other areas bordering Lake Michigan. It’s 4.54, which is very close to Port Washington’s.

Image Credit: Tony Savino/istockphoto.

4. Bayfield

Bayfield is a unique town. You can attend concerts at Big Top Chautauqua, visit a maritime museum, attend unique festivals year round, and hike and shop to your heart’s content. Property taxes are higher than average, but you may just feel you get more than your money’s worth should you choose to move here.

• Population: 16,608
• Median Household Income: $62,859
• Cost of Living: 86.6% of U.S. average
• Median Rent Price: $1,375
• Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 4.92
• Average Property Tax: 1.26%

Housing Affordability: Bayfield has limited rental inventory and rising monthly prices. Home buying is slightly more stable. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.92, which is just a little higher than other areas like Oconomowoc and Port Washington.

Image Credit: Melissa Kopka/istockphoto.

5. Ashland

The average home value here is lower than average. So if you are an outdoor enthusiast, consider checking this area out while it is still relatively affordable. Plus, the local art scene is also alive and well in Ashland, as there are plenty of art galleries and outdoor concerts to enjoy.

• Population: 7,874
• Median Household Income: $50,053
• Cost of Living: 74.7% of U.S. average
• Median Rent Price: $975
• Home Price-to-Income Ratio: 3.59
• Average Property Tax: 1.70%

Housing Affordability: Ashland’s monthly rent prices have experienced a sharp decline since last year. Its home price-to-income ratio is a competitive 3.59, meaning it’s affordable and on the water.

Image Credit: SamWagnerTimelapse/istockphoto.

The Takeaway

Wisconsin’s a big state with a lot to offer. Whether you’re looking for opportunity or affordability (or both), you can find it here. Take your time exploring and consider looking at areas that are off the beaten path. It may just be the best decision you ever made.

This article originally appeared on SoFi.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.

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