A+
8%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
24%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Oshkosh Wisconsin National
Cost of living9296100
Goods & Services9697100
Groceries9999100
Health care114112100
Housing7688100
Transportation10098100
Utilities105102100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Oshkosh, WI

The cost of living in Oshkosh affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Oshkosh is 92, which is 8% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

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, goods and services 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?

Is Oshkosh affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Oshkosh, the median home price is 27.3% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 17.2% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Oshkosh boasting a median household income of $51,282, 7.3% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Oshkosh?

Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Oshkosh, the housing index is 24.3% lower than the national average.

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 Oshkosh, the transportation index is 0.3% higher than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Oshkosh, the groceries index registers 1.4% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Oshkosh cost of living data displayed above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index to provide a useful and reasonably accurate measure of living cost differences in urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, it compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services. These items have been meticulously selected to represent various consumer expenditure categories, in 6 categories. Weightings assigned to cost differentials draw from government survey data tracking spending patterns among professional and executive households. While the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

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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 24% 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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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$70,511$5,876$1,645$2,116
      Renters$34,536$2,878$806$1,036
      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 $70,511 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $1,645 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $34,536, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $806 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%

      Goods & Services

      Item Oshkosh National avg. Difference
      Haircut $22.50$24.267.3%
      Beauty Salon $28.50$45.5637.4%
      Toothpaste $3.72$3.700.5%
      Shampoo $1.20$1.286.6%
      Movie $8.75$12.1327.9%
      Bowling $12.11$18.0032.7%

      Groceries

      Item Oshkosh National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.64$5.843.5%
      Fried Chicken $1.43$1.579.1%
      Milk $4.72$4.671.0%
      Potatoes $4.45$4.939.8%
      Pizza $10.22$12.0915.4%
      Beer $8.71$10.4116.3%

      Health Care

      Item Oshkosh National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $121.64$125.683.2%
      Doctor $216.44$135.7859.4%
      Dentist $102.10$113.299.9%
      Ibuprofen $10.42$10.652.2%
      Lipitor $499.62$468.606.6%

      Housing

      Item Oshkosh National avg. Difference
      Home Price $134,200.00$184,700.0027.3%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,582.08$2,346.6932.6%
      Apartment Rent $786.00$949.0017.2%

      Transportation

      Item Oshkosh National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.26$3.465.9%
      Tire Balancing $69.15$59.9215.4%

      Utilities

      Item Oshkosh National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $212.47$193.999.5%
      Phone $185.94$192.253.3%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Van Dyne, WI2368911.1%
      Ripon, WI7,802909.5%
      North Fond du Lac, WI5,076918.8%
      Menasha, WI18,2809010.2%
      Omro, WI3,584936.8%
      Oshkosh, WI66,753927.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Kenner, LA66,759991.1%
      Conway, AR66,7768911.2%
      West Des Moines, IA66,7241021.7%
      Portland, ME66,70612120.8%
      Redondo Beach, CA66,663212112.2%
      Oshkosh, WI66,753927.6%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.