Direct Answer
Oshkosh, WI has a CostOfCity index of 84, which is 16% below the national baseline. Average modeled rent is $935/month and the single-adult living cost estimate is $3,253/month.
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Cost of Living in Oshkosh: The Full Picture
Oshkosh is home to roughly 67,000 people in the heart of Wisconsin's midwestern landscape. With everyday expenses running 16% below the national average, this is a city where a no-frills economy that rewards practical spending and penalizes no one for being budget-conscious. That economic DNA shapes everything from housing to what you pay for a plumber. Below you'll find cost data across every category we track.
Oshkosh Cost Index by Category
Each bar shows how the Oshkosh cost index for that category compares to the US national baseline of 100.
Oshkosh has a small-city economy where word-of-mouth and repeat business keep service costs honest
The housing market features a buyer-friendly market where your down payment goes further than in most US cities
Severe storms, including tornadoes in some areas, make insurance a more significant budget item than most newcomers expect.. The lifestyle here is characterized by Lake houses, state fairs, and a quality of life that coastal transplants often describe as 'the secret nobody talks about.'.
Oshkosh is a standout value market. With costs sitting 16% below average, it's one of the most budget-friendly metros we track. Quality of life per dollar spent here is hard to beat.
💰 Purchasing Power in Oshkosh
Purchasing power adjusted to national average baseline. In Oshkosh, your dollar buys 19% more than the national average.
🔺 Where Oshkosh Costs More
🔽 Where Oshkosh Costs Less
💰 Salary Landscape
vs national average · higher = better
Monthly Living Expenses in Oshkosh
What it actually costs to live in Oshkosh each month — from tight budgets to comfortable lifestyles.
Estimates include housing, food, transportation, utilities, insurance, and discretionary spending. Based on Oshkosh's cost index of 84 applied to national spending surveys.
🏘️ Neighborhood Cost Variation
Smart residents of Oshkosh know that the metro-wide cost index of 84 masks real diversity. Areas near major employers, university districts, and gentrifying neighborhoods each have their own pricing dynamics. Even the 'expensive' parts of town are reasonable by national standards.
Oshkosh vs U.S. Average Cost of Living
Category-by-category affordability grades — based on deviation from the national average.
🏠 Home Services in Oshkosh
What contractors charge for the most common repairs, installations, and remodels
Roof Replacement
-42%HVAC Installation
-22%Plumbing Services
-35%Electrical Work
-37%Kitchen Remodel
-6%Bathroom Remodel
-42%House Painting
-40%Flooring Installation
+4%Landscaping
-41%Fence Installation
-9%Window Replacement
-22%Solar Panel Installation
-32%Water Heater Replacement
-12%Deck Building
+2%Pool Installation
-13%Tree Removal
-29%Garage Door Repair
-19%💼 Business Startup Costs in Oshkosh
Full startup cost breakdowns — from lease deposits to working capital
Start a Restaurant
-26%Start a Coffee Shop
-15%Start a Food Truck
-23%Start a Gym
-25%Start a Daycare
+9%Start a Hair Salon
-31%Start a Laundromat
-12%Start a Bakery
-17%Start a Bar
-10%Start a Cleaning Business
-29%Start an Airbnb
-7%Start a Trucking Business
-9%📊 Cost of Living in Oshkosh
Monthly expenses for housing, food, transportation, and everyday necessities
Cost of Living
-19%Rent Prices
-34%Grocery Costs
-10%Utility Costs
-15%Transportation Costs
-16%Childcare Costs
+4%Gym Membership
-18%🛡️ Insurance in Oshkosh
Annual and monthly premium estimates for major insurance categories
Car Insurance
-9%Home Insurance
-26%Health Insurance
-4%Business Insurance
+1%Life Insurance
-24%Renters Insurance
-18%Pet Insurance
-9%Dental Insurance
-13%Motorcycle Insurance
-14%⚖️ Legal Services in Oshkosh
Attorney fees, court costs, and total legal service expenses
Personal Injury Lawyer
-17%Divorce Lawyer
-26%DUI Lawyer
-16%Immigration Lawyer
-4%Estate Planning Lawyer
-21%Workers Comp Lawyer
-9%Bankruptcy Lawyer
-42%💰 Salaries & Jobs in Oshkosh
Annual compensation by experience level, role, and specialization
Software Developer Salary
-26%Registered Nurse Salary
-40%Teacher Salary
+1%Electrician Salary
-32%Plumber Salary
-8%Accountant Salary
-9%Physical Therapist Salary
-40%Police Officer Salary
-12%Dentist Salary
-32%Real Estate Agent Salary
-6%How Much Income Do You Need in Oshkosh?
✅ Best For
- Anyone building an emergency fund
- Remote workers keeping coastal salaries
- First-time business owners
- Families prioritizing savings
⚠️ Not Ideal For
- Those seeking dense urban amenities
- Workers in highly specialized tech roles
Research Oshkosh's neighborhoods carefully — costs can vary by 20-40% within the metro area. The most popular areas are affordable enough that location flexibility is a real advantage.
CostOfCity Value Index
The CostOfCity Value Index combines cost-of-living data with median income, savings potential, and cost growth trends to produce a single score. Higher = better value for your money. Updated quarterly.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Oshkosh
What is the median household income in Oshkosh?
The median household income in Oshkosh is approximately $47,000 per year. Adjusted for local cost of living (index: 84), this goes further than in many US cities.
Is Oshkosh a good place to start a business?
Oshkosh's business environment is shaped by WI's regulatory framework and local commercial real estate costs. Below-average operating costs give businesses more runway to reach profitability. Check our business startup cost data for specific figures.
Is Oshkosh, WI expensive to live in?
Oshkosh's cost of living index is 84, which is 16% below the national average of 100. Oshkosh is one of the more affordable US cities.
Explore Oshkosh in Depth
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Compare Oshkosh Costs Nationally
See how Oshkosh ranks on major household and life expenses against 300+ US cities — cheapest to most expensive.
Popular Oshkosh cost & affordability searches
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