Skyline of Oshkosh
Cost of Living: 88 67,000

Oshkosh, WI, US

Home of the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

Updated September 12, 2026

Overview

Oshkosh is a city in WI with a population of 67,000. Home of the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 4b growing zone supports Cold — cool-season crops, hardy perennials. The population skews young, with a median age of 34.2.

Last updated: September 12, 2026

Cost of Living 88

Below Average vs US Avg (100)

Housing Index 90

Affordable

Median Income $52,000

Household income

Unemployment 3.5%

Job market health

Oshkosh vs US Average

Cost of Living
Oshkosh: 88
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Oshkosh: 90
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Oshkosh: 6.27%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 6.3%
  • Sales Tax: 5.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $52,000
  • Unemployment: 3.5%
  • Population: 67,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 190/year
  • Summer High: 82°F
  • Winter Low: 14°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 4b

Housing

  • Median Home: $200,000
  • 1BR Rent: $950/mo

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Cost of Living

Oshkosh's cost of living index is 88 (US average = 100).

CategoryOshkoshNational AverageDifference
Overall88100-12.0%
Housing90100-10.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$200,000
Median Rent (1BR)$950/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$1,188/mo
Price per Sq Ft$133

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

$
%
$90,000 down
%
%
$

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Oshkosh:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$114Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating & Cooling$85Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Cooling (AC)N/AEstimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water$45Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$70Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total Utilities$314Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Remote Work Score

Oshkosh scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
88
Rent
$950
Sunny Days
190
Tax
6.27%
Unemployment
3.5%
Climate
82°F / 14°F
Safety
5.8 homicides/100k
Population
67,000
Internet Speed
200 Mbps

Climate

Oshkosh has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January34°F14°F2.5"
April67°F29°F2.8"
July82°F57°F1.5"
October62°F32°F2.2"
USDA Zone 4b

Cold — cool-season crops, hardy perennials

Natural Hazards

Oshkosh faces the following natural hazards:

Blizzard High Risk

Severe winter storms and blizzards.

Wildfire Moderate Risk

Wildfire risk in forested areas.

Tornado Moderate Risk

Tornado risk.

Flood Moderate Risk

River and lake flooding.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 6.27%
  • Sales Tax: 5%
  • Property Tax: ~1.85% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.5%.

Schools & Education

72/100
School Quality Score
Better than 76% of US cities
?
19
Total Schools
5.9:1
Student:Teacher
89.4%
Free/Reduced Lunch

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

Universities & Higher Education

1
Universities
#1938
Top University Rank

Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database

Demographics

The population of Oshkosh is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.

Ethnicity

Asian
4.2%
Black or African American
4.4%
Hispanic or Latino
4.5%
Native American
0.4%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
0.2%
Other
0.1%
Two or more races
3.7%
White
82.6%

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
27.3%
High school graduate
35.0%
Less than high school
6.9%
Some college
30.7%

Religion

Christian
70.0%
Other
5.0%
Unaffiliated
25.0%

Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Oshkosh, WI, US?

The cost of living index in Oshkosh is 88, which is Lower the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Oshkosh?

The median home price in Oshkosh is $200,000. The housing index is 90.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Oshkosh is approximately $950/mo.

Does Oshkosh, WI have income tax?

Oshkosh is in WI, which has an income tax rate of 6.27%.

What is the climate like in Oshkosh?

Oshkosh enjoys approximately 190 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 82°F, while winter lows can drop to around 14°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.