Oshkosh, WI, United States
📊 Scores
Manufacturing and education anchor Oshkosh's economy. UW Oshkosh employs roughly 1,200 people directly and drives significant local spending; healthcare systems (ThedaCare, Mercy Medical) are major employers too. The city's industrial past—lumber mills, paper production—has evolved into diversified manufacturing: automotive parts, medical devices, and logistics. Remote work is viable here; cost of living is genuinely low, but job hunting on-site means competing in a regional market that's not booming.
Rent runs $700–$950 for a one-bedroom apartment; utilities add $120–$180 monthly. Car dependency is real—public transit exists but is minimal. Healthcare access is solid: ThedaCare clinics and Mercy Medical Center handle most needs without long waits. No language barrier. Bureaucracy is standard Midwest: straightforward DMV, property taxes around 1.2% of home value. Winter heating costs spike November through March.
Winters are brutal—expect 40+ inches of snow and sub-zero stretches. Summers are pleasant, 70–80°F. Food scene is meat-and-potatoes Midwest; craft beer and farm-to-table spots exist but don't expect culinary depth. Lake Winnebago offers kayaking and fishing. The expat community is tiny; most residents are multigenerational Wisconsinites. Weekends mean hiking state parks, brewery visits, or driving to Milwaukee (45 minutes). Oshkosh suits remote workers prioritizing affordability and safety over cultural buzz or career acceleration.
🏚️ Cost of Living
💰 Budgets and Costs
Grocery Basket
Eating Out
Utilities & Lifestyle
Housing
💰 Real Spend Reports
🛡️ Safety & Crime
(Higher is safer)
(Lower is safer)
Oshkosh is a genuinely safe Midwestern city with a strong community feel and low violent crime. Walking around downtown and residential neighborhoods during day and evening hours is comfortable and unremarkable. The city's Safety Index of 83 reflects reality—this is the kind of place where people leave doors unlocked and neighbors know each other. For expats accustomed to major urban centers, the pace and security will feel refreshingly straightforward.
Property crime (vehicle break-ins, package theft) occurs at typical small-city rates but remains infrequent. Petty theft from unlocked cars is the main concern; violent crime is rare. Downtown and university areas near UW-Oshkosh are well-lit and monitored. Solo female travelers and residents face minimal specific risks beyond standard urban awareness. Avoid isolated areas late at night as you would anywhere, but this isn't a city where that's a frequent concern.
Oshkosh has stable local governance, reliable police, and no significant political instability or corruption issues. It's a stable, predictable American small city with solid civic infrastructure. For Americans considering relocation, this is an exceptionally low-risk choice—ideal if you prioritize safety, community stability, and a quiet lifestyle over urban amenities. The main trade-off is limited nightlife and cultural diversity, not security.
🏥 Healthcare
🌤️ Climate
Best Months
Climate Notes
Oshkosh experiences a humid continental climate with warm summers (June-August) and cold, snowy winters (December-February), offering distinct seasonal changes typical of the Upper Midwest.
💻 Digital Nomad
Community Notes
| Name | Price/mo | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Regus - Wisconsin - Oshkosh | $200 | Located on N Washburn Street, this Regus offers standard coworking amenities and private offices, providing a professional environment suitable for focused work. Its central location makes it easily accessible. |
| The Office Hub | $150 | Located in the heart of Oshkosh, The Office Hub provides a collaborative environment with flexible workspace options. It's a good option for those seeking a community-focused coworking experience. |
🧳 Expat Life
Could living/working in Oshkosh, WI cut years off your work life?
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $510/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.