Cost of Living in Kenosha, WI
Population 99,147 · Wisconsin · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Kenosha can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $211,000 against $68,532 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country.
Kenosha is about 35 miles south of Milwaukee, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 22% higher than Milwaukee's $172,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Kenosha
The median home value in Kenosha is $210,500 — 31% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,137/month, 13% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $68,532/year is 8% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. Wisconsin's top state income tax rate is 7.7% and the combined sales tax is 5.4%. The climate averages highs of 58.7°F and lows of 39.7°F. Overall, Kenosha has a cost of living index of 76 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 24% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 31 | 35 | 45 | 57 | 69 | 79 | 84 | 82 | 75 | 63 | 49 | 37 |
| Low °F | 16 | 19 | 28 | 37 | 47 | 57 | 62 | 61 | 53 | 43 | 32 | 22 |
| Precip" | 1.19 | 1.07 | 2.03 | 3.63 | 3.52 | 3.69 | 3.35 | 3.56 | 3.36 | 2.90 | 2.05 | 1.53 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Kenosha, WI?
Kenosha has a cost index of 76 (100 = national average). It is 24% below the national average.
What is average rent in Kenosha, WI?
The median gross rent in Kenosha is $1,137 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Kenosha?
The median home value in Kenosha is $210,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Kenosha?
The median household income in Kenosha is $68,532 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Kenosha, WI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Kenosha is 5.4%. The Wisconsin state income tax top rate is 7.7%.
Is Kenosha, WI affordable?
Yes, Kenosha is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 76 — about 24% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Kenosha?
Kenosha has average high temperatures of 58.7°F and average lows of 39.7°F. Annual precipitation is 31.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Kenosha at a Glance
- Population
- 99,147
- Median Income
- $68,532
- Home Value
- $210,500
- Median Rent
- $1,137/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 58.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Wisconsin Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs