Put a roof over your head for less in these low-cost places to live in Wisconsin. 

Homeownership can be expensive—the median home sale price in the U.S. is about $348,333. (Renting isn’t cheap either, with the average rent price hovering just below $2,000 per month.) Fortunately, if you live in Wisconsin or are thinking of moving to the Badger State, home and rental prices here are a bit cheaper. 

To make your house (or apartment) hunt easier, we put together this list of the most affordable places to live in Wisconsin. All the cities in this post have a median home sale price that’s cheaper than the state’s average, which is $310,800 as of February 2025, according to Redfin, a well-known real estate brokerage. Additionally, the cities featured have a population of at least 50,000, according to 2020 U.S. Census Bureau data. 

Keep reading to learn more about the most affordable places to live in Wisconsin. The ranking includes how much you should expect to pay for a home or one-bedroom rental, how many other people call the cities home, and what attractions and amenities each offers. 

1. Racine

Racine is home to about 77,800 people, according to 2020 U.S. census data, as well as hundreds of restaurants and cafes. It’s the most affordable destination in this roundup, with a median home sale price that’s about $128,000 less than the state average. But affordability isn’t the only reason to move to Racine. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, there are a number of beaches to explore during the warmer months, as well as plenty of parks and other outdoor attractions. The Racine Overlook and Racine Breakwater Lighthouse both boast beautiful views of Lake Michigan.

While there’s plenty to do in Racine, much larger Milwaukee is only 30 miles away, should you want to get out of town for a bit. 

Median home sale price: $182,500 

Average monthly one-bedroom rental price: $925

2. Oshkosh

Oshkosh might be best known for the children’s clothing company it shares a name with—OshKosh B’Gosh—but there’s much more to this affordable city than pint-sized apparel. Thanks to its location on Lake Winnebago, there are tons of waterfront dining and water sports in Oshkosh. You can also get a great view of the lake from the Asylum Point Lighthouse. For those who prefer spending their free time indoors, there’s the Paine Art Center and Gardens and the Oshkosh Public Museum. 

The population of Oshkosh is about 66,753, and homes here sell for about $120,000 less than the state average. 

Median home sale price: $190,500

Average monthly one-bedroom rental price: $1,325

3. Milwaukee

With a population of about 577,222, Milwaukee is by far the largest city in this roundup. And like any major city, there are tons of things to do in Milwaukee—many of which are free. Spend your days sipping beer at one of Milwaukee’s many breweries or exploring the Milwaukee Riverwalk District. Other attractions include the Milwaukee Art Museum, Mitchell Park Domes, Havenwoods State Forest, and McKinley Beach. 

Despite being a major metropolis with tons of attractions and amenities, living in Milwaukee is still relatively affordable: The median home sale price in Milwaukee is about $96,000 cheaper than the state average. 

Median home sale price: $214,500

Average monthly one-bedroom rental price: $1,722

4. La Crosse

With a population of about 52,680, La Crosse is the smallest city on this list. However, there’s no shortage of activities and attractions to keep residents busy all year long. Some sights to see include Riverside Park, located along the Mississippi River, Grandad Bluff Park, which overlooks La Crosse and offers panoramic views of the city, and the World’s Largest Six-Pack landmark.

Homes in La Crosse sell for about $79,000 less than the state average. If you’re interested in renting, a one-bedroom in La Crosse costs about $100 less per month than average in Wisconsin. 

Median home sale price: $232,000

Average monthly one-bedroom rental price: $1,125

5. Kenosha

Lakefront living doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In Kenosha, which is located on Lake Michigan and has a population of about 99,986, home prices are almost $60,000 cheaper than the state average. 

The Kenosha Sand Dunes boast beautiful views of the lake and tons of trails to explore, and Simmons Island Beach is another popular destination on the shores of Lake Michigan. Even the Kenosha Public Museum is located on the water. 

Median home sale price: $254,900

Average monthly one-bedroom rental price: $1,665

6. West Allis

West Allis, a suburb of Milwaukee with a population of about 60,325, is an excellent option for homeowners who want to live close to a major city and all its amenities without being in the middle of the hustle and bustle. Get your fresh produce at the West Allis Farmers Market—open from May to Thanksgiving—or fill up on funnel cakes, deep-fried Oreos, and corn dogs at the Wisconsin State Fair, which takes place in West Allis every summer.  

Nature lovers can spend time in McCarty Park, where you’ll find McCarty Pond, or Greenfield Park, home to an 18-hole golf course.

Median home sale price: $255,250

Average monthly one-bedroom rental price: $1,520

7. Green Bay

Green Bay, home to the Packers, has a population of about 107,395, making it the second most populous city in this roundup. If you’re not a football fan, there’s still lots to do here, from exploring riverfront restaurants, shops, and museums, to strolling through the Green Bay Botanical Garden or the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary Nature Center. If living near a park is a top priority, there are plenty of those in Green Bay, too.

Median home sale price: $265,000

Average monthly one-bedroom rental price: $952

8. Janesville

Janesville is about 40 miles from Madison and has a population of 65,615. Homes can be purchased for about $32,000 less than the state average, and rentals are cheaper too, by about $200 per month (for a one-bedroom). 

Janesville’s downtown area is charming and full of shops and restaurants, and the Rotary Botanical Gardens feature more than 20 acres of paths and gardens to explore.

Median home sale price: $278,650

Average monthly one-bedroom rental price: $1,001

9. Appleton

Appleton also has a lively and walkable downtown area and is just slightly larger than Janesville, housing about 75,644 residents. Homes are a bit more expensive, too, but still sell for less than the state average (by about $29,000).

Top attractions in Appleton include the Hearthstone Historic House Museum, the History Museum at the Castle, Sunset Park, and the Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve.

Median home sale price: $281,500

Average monthly one-bedroom rental price: $1,293

10. Eau Claire

Homes in Eau Claire sell for more than they do in any other city on this list, but prices are still below the state average (by about $9,000). The population of Eau Claire—around 69,421—is average compared to other cities in this roundup. 

In downtown Eau Claire, you’ll find a vibrant arts scene, plus plenty of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. Nature lovers will appreciate the many walking and biking trails, parks, and the Chippewa River. The University of Wisconsin also has a campus in Eau Claire. 

Median home sale price: $301,900

Average monthly one-bedroom rental price: $1,160

Other affordable small towns and cities

In addition to the affordable bigger cities we highlighted above, there are tons of smaller towns and cities throughout Wisconsin where housing is even cheaper. If the cities above are out of your budget or you simply prefer small-town living, consider the following destinations.

• Merrill (population 9,347; median home sale price: $138,950)
• Antigo (population 8,100; median home sale price: $140,000)
• Two Rivers: (population 11,271; median home sale price: $157,500)
• Marinette (population 11,045; median home sale price: $171,500)
• Prairie Du Chien (population 5,506; median home sale price: $185,000)