Best Affordable Places to Live in Wisconsin in 2026
By Lauren Ward
(Last Updated – 06/2026)
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. 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.
Best Places to Live in Wisconsin
Everyone can find a little something just for them in Wisconsin. Whether you’re looking for waterside, city, or small-town living, you can get it here. Read on for our top picks for the best places in Wisconsin to live when cost is a consideration.
💡 Quick Tip: When house hunting, don’t forget to lock in your home mortgage loan rate so there are no surprises if your offer is accepted.
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. Even big cities like Madison and Green Bay are pretty affordable, compared to other U.S. metro areas. However, here are our top three lesser-known favorites for the most affordable locations.
1. La Crosse
Photo credit: iStock/EAGiven
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 spend your evenings. Plus, there’s usually a festival just around the corner, such as Riverfest or the Great River Folk Festival. If you’re considering purchasing in La Crosse, it can be a good idea to visit a home loan help center to learn more about mortgage options.
Population: 50,784
Median Household Income: $55,860
Cost of Living: 94% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,100
Home Value-to-Income Ratio: 5.17
2. Waukesha
Photo credit: iStock/DenisTangneyJr
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. If you’re a new homebuyer, a first-time homebuyer guide can show you how the process works before you start house hunting.
Population: 70,872
Median Household Income: $83,837
Cost of Living: 99% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,605
Home Value-to-Income Ratio: 5.11
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. If you want to buy a home in a competitive market, follow these tips to qualify for a mortgage.
Population: 41,448
Median Household Income: $129,548
Cost of Living: 104% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $2,500
Home Value-to-Income Ratio: 4.15
Best Places to Live in Wisconsin for Families
Growing your family and looking for somewhere to put down some roots? Check out these cities to get your imagination rolling.
1. Wauwatosa
Photo credit: Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM , Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic
Named after a Potawatomi chief, Wauwatosa means “firefly.” You’ll find many Victorian-style homes lining beautiful residential streets here. The town also has a charming shopping district known as “Tosa,” and is very close to the Milwaukee County Zoo for animal-loving kids and adults alike. Before you start heading to open houses, learn the difference between mortgage prequalification and preapproval.
Population: 48,649
Median Household Income: $101,138
Cost of Living: 101% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,695
Home Value-to-Income Ratio: 4.30
2. Eau Claire
Photo credit: iStock/Jacob Boomsma
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. Before you start looking for your next home, learn how the mortgage preapproval process works.
Population: 72,465
Median Household Income: $67,395
Cost of Living: 88% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,175
Home Value-to-Income Ratio: 4.77
3. Sun Prairie
Photo credit: iStock/Jacob Boomsma
Sun Prairie is the birthplace of Georgia O’Keeffe, and the city celebrates her with a museum and related historic sites. 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: 39,227
Median Household Income: $90,942
Cost of Living: 93% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,550
Home Value-to-Income Ratio: 4.92
💡 Quick Tip: If you refinance your mortgage and shorten your loan term, you could save a substantial amount in interest over the lifetime of the loan.
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 you’re also considering affordability, you might be interested in the following three cities for young adults in Wisconsin.
1. Milwaukee
Photo credit: iStock/Jon Mattrisch
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. Add in dining and shopping, and it’s a hotbed for young adults.
Population: 562,407
Median Household Income: $54,234
Cost of Living: 99% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,300
Home Value-to-Income Ratio: 4.27
Recommended: Different Types of Mortgage Loans
2. Wausau
Photo credit: iStock/benkrut
Wausau has a number of outdoor recreational options, such as Wausau Whitewater park and Granite Peak skiing. 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: 40,188
Median Household Income: $64,389
Cost of Living: 85% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $964
Home Value-to-Income Ratio: 3.90
3. Kenosha
Photo credit: iStock/Kevin Scott
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: 99,239
Median Household Income: $71,239
Cost of Living: 97% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,400
Home Value-to-Income Ratio: 4.02
Recommended: Jumbo Mortgage Loans
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 three towns below for your next phase of life.
1. Merrill
Photo credit: iStock/Michael-Tatman
Approximately 22% 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: 9,389
Median Household Income: $53,148
Cost of Living: 100% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $950
Home Value-to-Income Ratio: 4.18
2. 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: 10,951
Median Household Income: $83,419
Cost of Living: 101% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,100
Home Value-to-Income Ratio: 4.36
3. Columbus
Photo credit: Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM , Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic
While property taxes are not low in Columbus compared to the national average, Columbus has a fairly large population of people 65 and older. According to the latest census data, more than 15% of the population consists of retirees. Columbus hosts an antique center and a few arts and crafts fairs throughout the year.
Population: 5,400
Median Household Income: $75,427
Cost of Living: 111% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,488
Home Value-to-Income Ratio: 4.27
Best Places to Live in Wisconsin Near the Lake
From flat, fertile land fed by gentle rivers in the south to dark forest punctuated by wetlands and lakes to the north, Wisconsin is a landscape painter’s dream. Lake Michigan forms the eastern border, and Lake Superior touches the northwest, but there are many inland lakes as well.
1. Ashland
Photo credit: iStock/Melissa Kopka
The average home value here is $100K lower than the state 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: 7,927
Median Household Income: $54,529
Cost of Living: 78% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,095
Home Value-to-Income Ratio: 3.60
2. Bayfield
Photo credit: iStock/Melissa Kopka
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 lower than average for the state, but even without that factor, you may just feel you get more than your money’s worth should you choose to move here.
Population: 565
Median Household Income: $70,982
Cost of Living: 104% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,650
Home Value-to-Income Ratio: 4.85
3. Port Washington
Photo credit: iStock/worldofphotos
Property taxes are significantly higher than the national 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 vessel for evening fishing excursions.
Population: 12,658
Median Household Income: $81,948
Cost of Living: 102% of U.S. average
Average Rent Price: $1,400
Home Value-to-Income Ratio: 4.85
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.
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FAQ
Where is the best place to live in Wisconsin year round?
It depends on what you’re looking for, but if you’re primarily interested in things to do, take a look at Milwaukee.
Where are the cheapest homes in Wisconsin?
To find the cheapest homes in Wisconsin, you’ll need to be away from both the lakes and the bigger cities, as both home prices and cost of living tend to be higher in these areas. Wausau, which straddles the Wisconsin River, or Ashland might be good places to look.
What are the most expensive and cheapest places to live in Wisconsin?
Columbus has a cost of living index 11% higher than the national average, but deals can be found with a little looking. Wausau and Ashland, with costs of living that are 85% and 78% of the U.S. average respectively, are two of the cheapest places to live in Wisconsin.
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