Middleton, WI vs Oshkosh, WI

The cost of living difference between Middleton, WI and Oshkosh, WI is dramatic. Oshkosh is 53.5% cheaper than Middleton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Middleton has a cost index of 112 while Oshkosh sits at 73, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Middleton is $1,357/month compared to $908/month in Oshkosh — a 49% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Oshkosh is more affordable at $168,400 median vs $457,400.

Median household income in Middleton is $85,526 compared to $61,929 in Oshkosh (+38.1%). The higher salaries in Middleton partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Middleton spend roughly 19% of their income on rent, more than the 17.6% in Oshkosh.