The 7 Most Beautiful Places to Live in Wisconsin That Are Still Affordable

Bordered by two Great Lakes, the Badger State is the place you go to explore the great outdoors. The average home price in the state is about $280,000 but some gems in the state offer a lower cost of living. Discover the seven most beautiful places to live in Wisconsin that are still affordable!

The 7 Most Beautiful Places to Live in Wisconsin That Are Still Affordable

1. Racine

In Racine, you can expect the average home to cost $185,000. You’re only 30 miles away from Milwaukee and you live in an environment with a population of just under 80,000. The median household income in Racine is $44,346 and the average rent if you are moving into a one-bedroom apartment is only $840. There’s plenty to do in Racine whether you want to go shopping, check out museums, enjoy fine dining, or just look out onto Lake Michigan.

2. Milwaukee

If you just can’t venture too far from a major metro, you also have Milwaukee as an option. This is a much larger city and is home to just under 580,000 people. Here, the median home price is $206,000 and if you’re interested in renting, you can expect to pay just under $1,500 per month. The median household income is $43,125. Like with any major city, there is never a shortage of things to do. You have Havenwoods State Forest to satisfy your desire for nature, you can check out McKinley Beach to be close to the water, and you can check out the Milwaukee Riverwalk district, where there’s plenty to do.

3. Oshkosh

Another beautiful and affordable place to live in Wisconsin is Oshkosh. This is a smaller city with under 70,000 residents. Here, the median home price is $222,000, the median household income is just over $50,000, and a one-bedroom apartment goes for about $900 per month. In Oshkosh, you can enjoy Lake Winnebago, relish delectable meals at a host of waterfront restaurants, and enjoy the friendly environment where the sense of community remains strong.

4. West Allis

If you enjoy city life but you don’t want to be in such a crowded area, West Allis may just be the perfect place for you. The median home price here is $245,000 and the median household income is $43,125. If you’re looking to rent, you can expect to pay about $1,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. The city only has about 60,000 residents and the Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center is a great location for tons of events that roll through the city. This is a tight-knit community where you can shop locally and enjoy the incredible foodie scene.

5. Kenosha

Everywhere in Wisconsin offers beautiful scenery throughout the year and Kenosha is no exception. In the city, there are about 100,000 residents and the median household income is $56,113. If you plan to purchase, you should know the median home price is $246,500. However, if you are more interested in renting, you can expect to pay just over $1,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Kenosha is only 40 miles from Milwaukee so you’re always about an hour away from this major metro. However, there are tons of things to do in the city whether you want to enjoy trails, the beach, or hang out around downtown, trying different food spots.

6. Baraboo

If you prefer more of a small-town feel, Baraboo is a great choice. As of 2021, the population was only 12,398. Although it’s a smaller town compared to other options in this list, home prices have gone up nearly 20% in the last year, with a median sale price of $257,866 as of December 2023. This town has plenty of interesting shops to check out, lots of great restaurants, and it’s located only 40 miles from Madison, which means you have an easy getaway to enjoy a more dynamic city while coming home to a more quaint feel. James Huffstutler, owner of Horizon Home Detailing in Baraboo, told A-to-Z animals, “This is the kind of town you don’t want to leave once you’ve settled in.”

7. Janesville

Also located about 40 miles from Madison is Janesville. In the city, there are just over 65,000 people. The median home price is $259,000 and the median household income is $55,914. If you’re planning to rent in Janesville, you can expect to pay a little over $1,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. The residents take pride in the city, keeping it looking spiffy and you have access to everything you could need. Plus, proximity to Madison gives you more options to explore.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © rarrarorro/iStock via Getty Images