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MarketsWisconsinOshkoshCost of Living & Affordability

Cost of Living & Affordability: Oshkosh, WI

Updated 2026 · Based on median market data for Oshkosh, WI

Cap Rate
1.62%
Median Price
$290K
Rent/Mo
$1,100
1% Rule
0.38%
Fails

Housing Affordability

Oshkosh's price-to-income ratio is 5.4x — homes cost 5.4 times the local median household income of $53,700. Housing is stretched relative to local incomes. Many workers are effectively priced out of buying, creating deep rental demand. This is favorable for landlords but also means your tenants may be more cost-sensitive.

Rent vs Buy Analysis

A typical mortgage payment on a median-priced home in Oshkosh (20% down at 7%) is approximately $1,929/mo for principal and interest alone — add taxes and insurance and the all-in payment reaches roughly $2,480. The median rent of $1,100/mo is significantly less than buying — this rent-vs-buy gap is one of the strongest indicators of sustainable rental demand. When renting is cheaper than buying, the renter pool stays deep and vacancy stays low.

Income & Employment

The median household income in Oshkosh is $53,700, with a population of 50,000 growing at 0.5% per year. Oshkosh is a smaller market. Research the local employment base carefully — smaller cities can be significantly impacted by a single employer's decisions.

What This Means for Investors

The stretched affordability means strong rental demand, but tight margins require precision. Target below-median prices where rents are still strong, or use value-add strategies to force equity and improve cash flow.

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How Oshkosh Compares

Oshkosh vs Wisconsin state average and national average across key investment metrics. Oshkosh's cap rate is below both benchmarks — deal sourcing is critical here.

Metric
Oshkosh
Wisconsin Avg
National Avg
Cap Rate
1.62%
1.83%
3.81%
Median Price
$290K
$309K
$333K
Median Rent
$1,100
$1,223
$1,524
Property Tax
1.88%
1.88%
1.08%
Vacancy
5.5%
5.5%
5.6%
Pop. Growth
0.5%/yr
0.5%/yr
0.9%/yr

Nearby Midwest Markets

City
Cap Rate
Price
Rent
Tax
Oshkosh, WI
1.6%
$290K
$1,100
1.88%
Des Moines, IA
2.6%
$290K
$1,260
1.52%
Bloomington, IN
4.2%
$290K
$1,480
0.83%
Iowa City, IA
2.9%
$290K
$1,320
1.48%
Owatonna, MN
2.5%
$290K
$1,130
1.12%

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Oshkosh affordable for renters?
Renters in Oshkosh spend approximately 25% of median household income on rent. This is within the standard 30% affordability threshold, suggesting renters have room in their budgets. The median household income is $53,700, below the level needed for comfortable renting.
What is the price-to-income ratio in Oshkosh?
Oshkosh's price-to-income ratio is 5.4x, meaning homes cost 5.4 times the local median income. This is moderate — some residents can buy, many choose to rent.
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Oshkosh?
A mortgage payment (20% down, 7% rate) on the median $290K home is approximately $1,543/mo before taxes and insurance. Adding those costs brings it to roughly $2,094/mo. The median rent of $1,100/mo is less than the cost of buying — this gap supports continued rental demand.
How does Oshkosh's cost of living compare to the national average?
Home prices in Oshkosh ($290K) are 13% below the national average. Rents ($1,100/mo) are 28% below average. Property taxes (1.88%) are above the 1.08% national average.
Full Oshkosh Analysis →Cap Rate CalculatorBRRRR Calculator

Explore Oshkosh & Related Markets

More Oshkosh Guides

Rental Property Investment GuideRent AnalysisProperty Tax GuideAppreciation & Growth ForecastNeighborhood Investment Guide

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