The Top 10 Most Affordable Cities in Wisconsin

\Welcome to America’s Dairyland! It’s not all milk and cheese in Wisconsin, of course. With lush state parks, rivers, lakes, and caves, Wisconsin bursts with natural beauty. If you’re ready to move to the Badger State, whether it’s your first home or your last, NewHomeSource has compiled a list of the 10 most affordable cities to help inform your choice.

10 Most Affordable Cities

1. Marinette

Home Price to Income Ratio: 1.94

Average Property Tax: $1,270

Median Household Income: $42,788

Marinette earns the title of most affordable city in Wisconsin. Located along the Menominee River and Lake Michigan, Marinette offers plenty of waterside views no matter where you go and is the perfect place to buy or build your dream home. The waterfront Red Arrow Park and Seagull Bar State Natural areas are ideal for a stroll to admire the tranquil blue water on sunny days. 

2. Two Rivers

Home Price to Income Ratio: 1.97

Average Property Tax: $1,858

Median Household Income: $47,228

The city of Two Rivers is named after the convergence of the East and West Twin Rivers. Outdoorsy residents will love the opportunities to explore nature in their own backyard, including visiting the Point Beach Ridges State Natural Area and Van Der Brohe Arboretum & Bird Sanctuary. 

3. Wisconsin Rapids

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.09

Average Property Tax: $1,731

Median Household Income: $42,531

Wisconsin Rapids is a centrally located city with a population of over 18,000.  You will want to check out the Wisconsin Rapids Municipal Zoo, Central Wisconsin Cultural Center, and the gardens of Butterfly Hill. You’ll never lack exciting things to do in Wisconsin Rapids!

4. Merrill

Home Price to Income Ratio: 1.76

Average Property Tax: $1,433

Median Household Income: $48,159

Merrill is the county seat of Lincoln County. The Wisconsin River meanders through the middle of the city, and you’ll find waterside parks, stores, and of course opportunities for boating! End your day by sampling the latest selection at the local breweries, wow this is one of the best places to live!

5. Beloit

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.00

Average Property Tax: $1,897

Median Household Income: $43,651

Beloit is located along the Wisconsin-Illinois border. You’ll find plenty to do and see in this safe city of over 36,000 residents. Whether you prefer to visit art museums, catch the latest movie at the theater, or go for a hike along the river, Beloit has you covered!

6. Manitowoc

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.18

Average Property Tax: $2,110

Median Household Income: $47,861

Manitowoc is located along the Lake Michigan shore, just seven miles south of Twin Rivers. This charming city offers a zoo, art museum, botanical gardens, and marinas.

7. Green Bay

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.76

Average Property Tax: $2,555

Median Household Income: $49,251

There’s more to Green Bay than their famous football team! This lively city of over 100,000 residents is bustling with activities and beautiful bayside views. Explore the city’s many attractions like the botanical gardens, a natural history museum, and bayside parks.

8. Racine

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.47

Average Property Tax: $2,294

Median Household Income: $44,056

Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, Racine has a sizable population of over 77,000. You’ll find beaches, lighthouses, and even museums along the lake’s sandy shores. Venture farther into the city, where more attractions like a zoo and art museums await you.

9. Menasha

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.38

Average Property Tax: $2,701

Median Household Income: $54,274

Menasha is nestled along the northern shore of Lake Winnebago. Nature reserves and hiking trails wind through the city, so you don’t have to go far to experience the great outdoors. If you’re itching to visit a bigger city, Green Bay is a convenient 35 miles northeast of Menasha.

10. Wausau

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.53

Average Property Tax: $2,255

Median Household Income: $46,824

If you’re looking for a small city with a big city heart, look no further than Wausau! With less than 40,000 residents, Wausau lacks the dense, busy atmosphere of larger cities without sacrificing activities and sights. With art museums, botanical gardens, and country clubs, there’s always something new to explore.

Cities with the Best Home Price to Income Ratio

While the list above is sorted by the lowest overall cost of living index, the following cities have the lowest home price to income ratio, meaning you can get more home for your money.

• Marinette
• Merrill
• Wisconsin Rapids