Lifestyle
If you’re thinking about retiring to the midwest, go beyond Chicago and its suburbs. Wisconsin is home to more than dedicated Green Bay Packers fans—the Badger State has great cities and smaller towns with stunning natural beauty, easy access to healthcare and airports, and a lower cost-of-living. In addition, the university campuses offer many continuing education classes for seniors as well as ample cultural attractions, such as live music and theater. Read on to learn more about the 10 best cities to retire in Wisconsin.
C.E Larusso
Published March 1st, 2026
Updated March 1st, 2026
C.E Larusso
•
Published March 1st, 2026
•
Updated March 1st, 2026
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
Cities and towns in Wisconsin are known for their strong sense of community and friendliness
19% of the state’s population is estimated to be over 65, making Wisconsin one of the states with the highest percentage of retirees
Many locations have sweeping views of lakes or other natural wonders to enjoy
While winters are cold and long, summers tend to be mild and perfect for hiking, fishing, or boating
The state is moderately tax-friendly. Social Security is not taxed, but other retirement income is, at an income tax rate ranging from 3.5% to 7.65%
Is Wisconsin a good place to live for retirees?
Let’s get this out of the way: Wisconsin is cold. It has long, chilly winters, and this alone might be a deterrent for some retirees. That said, its other seasons are relatively mild, with the highs in summer usually reaching around 80 degrees and autumn bringing crisp air and stunning leaf colors.
The state is remarkably beautiful, and nearly every city or town we included sits on the edge of a lake or is very near one. This environment is ideal for retirees who want to enjoy outdoor activities, such as swimming, hiking, boating, and picnicking.
Overall, the state has a lower cost-of-living than the national average, including home prices. In addition, it has many great healthcare facilities, thanks to the presence of its excellent state university system. For seniors who are not cold-averse, Wisconsin should be a state to consider for retirement.
Is Wisconsin tax-friendly for seniors?
Wisconsin is moderately tax-friendly. The state does not tax Social Security benefits and there is no estate tax, but it does tax other retirement income, such as 401(k) and IRA distributions. The income tax ranges from 3.5% to 7.65%, depending on your income level.
Do seniors in Wisconsin pay property taxes over 65?
Wisconsinites over 65 must pay property taxes, but there are some programs that can make the burden lighter. The Homestead Credit and Property Tax Deferral Loan program offer tax credits for lower-income households and loans for property taxes, respectively. The Property Tax Deferral Loan program is specifically for seniors.
What benefits do seniors get in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin offers a range of special services for its senior population, including:
- ForwardHealth, the state Medicaid system, which helps to cover senior living and senior care costs
- Family Care, a home- and community-based waiver program that assists with the costs of care for disabled adults
- IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self Direct) is a program that allows seniors to redirect funds from Medicaid towards a variety of services, such as home delivered meals, transportation, and living skills training
In addition, there are food delivery programs for those with financial difficulties as well as free used medical equipment available, such as canes, toilet risers, walkers, and more.
Where is the best place to retire in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin has many great cities and towns, from small, quaint ones with charming downtowns to larger municipalities. Seniors looking for a city but don’t want to live in a large metropolis on par with Chicago might find the state capital of Madison to be appealing; it’s a mid-size city with many amenities and cultural activities, thanks to the university’s presence. Below, we’ve outlined the 10 best cities to retire to in Wisconsin, highlighting their unique offerings.
1. Madison
CITY POPULATION: 285,300
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 13%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 3.4% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $413,037
MEDIAN RENT: $1,230
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
It’s rare that a larger city makes it to a list of great places to retire, but Madison is relatively affordable—compared to other state capitals—and has notably excellent healthcare, thanks to the university’s medical facilities. Even though it is a city, and comes with the cultural attractions of one, it has a small-town feel and is known to be very walkable.
2. Eau Claire
CITY POPULATION: 72,331
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 17%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 1% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $304,969
MEDIAN RENT: $975
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Eau Claire is another college town, but much smaller than Madison—ideal for retirees looking for a less populous place to live that still has a range of amenities, including good healthcare. Eau Claire has a low cost of living and lots of spots for outdoor activities, such as trails and rivers.
3. Sheboygan
CITY POPULATION: 49,624
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 15%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 16% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $253,782
MEDIAN RENT: $1,100
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Sheboygan has a bustling arts and culture scene, with multiple venues for live theater and music. Home prices are relatively low, and the Aurora Health Center offers quality medical facilities. The lake itself, of course, allows retirees to enjoy lots of outdoor activities such as hiking and swimming.
4. Wausau
CITY POPULATION: 40,262
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 19%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 15% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $230,313
MEDIAN RENT: $1,141
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Wausau is home to the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum and the Grand Theater, which gives retirees lots of opportunities to experience exhibitions and performances. A peaceful city, Wausau sits at the banks of the Wisconsin River where retirees can enjoy summers filled with hiking, camping, and picnicking.
5. Oshkosh
COUNTY POPULATION: 67,242
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 19%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 18% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $246,683
MEDIAN RENT: $1,140
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Oshkosh is a medium-sized city, which means it maintains a small-town charm while providing ample amenities and entertainment to residents. Another waterfront city, residents of Oshkosh can enjoy Lake Winnebago for fishing, boating, and other activities. In addition Menominee Park is a stunning park, perfect for afternoon strolls or bike rides.
6. Green Bay
CITY POPULATION: 106,311
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 16%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 9% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $270,054
MEDIAN RENT: $1,145
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Green Bay is becoming increasingly popular with retirees, as many excellent 55+ communities and senior living facilities have been built in recent years. Well known for its football scene, it’s a hot spot for sports enthusiasts, but thanks to the Fox River and the eponymous Green Bay, it’s also ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
7. Lake Geneva
CITY POPULATION: 8,691
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 22%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 6% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $401,420
MEDIAN RENT: $1,135
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Lake Geneva is a golf lover’s paradise, with 22 courses to play on. It’s also only one hour from Milwaukee and two hours from Chicago, giving retirees easy access to airports for getaways. The lake itself is known for its scenic beauty, and the town has many fine dining options for residents to enjoy.
8. Bayfield
CITY POPULATION: 592
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 44%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 13% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $329,462
MEDIAN RENT: $1,021
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Bayfield is a tiny town on the southern shores of Lake Superior, and boasts many wineries, distilleries, and live music shows. Despite its small size, it’s impressively lively—with downtown shops open year-round—but if you need a larger city to explore, Eau Claire is about three hours away. Nature-lovers in Bayfield enjoy exploring the stunning Apostle Islands, which are only a 20-minute ferry ride away.
9. Mequon
CITY POPULATION: 25,329
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 23%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 22% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $619,131
MEDIAN RENT: $2,500
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Mequon is known for breathtaking views on its bluffs over Lake Michigan, as well as its nature preserve, which has several miles of trails to explore. The tight-knit community is only 45 minutes from Milwaukee, in case retirees need big city amenities. Note that Mequon is one of the more expensive locations on our list.
10. Sturgeon Bay
CITY POPULATION: 9,940
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 26%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 9% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $373,105
MEDIAN RENT: $1,911
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Located at the base of the Door Peninsula, Sturgeon Bay is a historic maritime town, with lots of antiques and artifacts held in the Door County Maritime Museum celebrating its heritage. It’s a beautiful place, with a tight-knit community and sweeping views of Lake Michigan—not to mention many green spaces where retirees can enjoy outdoor activities.
Bottom Line
Wisconsin is a hidden gem in the midwest, with crystal clear lakes, a rich arts and culture scene, and a strong sense of community. In addition, most towns and cities in the Badger State have a lower than average cost-of-living, which allows retirees to spend less and live more. Whether you’re looking for a mid-size city such as Madison or a quaint resort town like Sturgeon Bay, there are many options for your golden years. To decide where in Wisconsin you can afford to comfortably retire, it’s best to speak to a financial advisor at Retirable to review your investments and budget.
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A professional content writer, C.E. Larusso has written about all things home, finance, family, and wellness for a variety of publications, including Angi, HomeLight, Noodle, and Mimi. She is based in Los Angeles.
Share this advice
A professional content writer, C.E. Larusso has written about all things home, finance, family, and wellness for a variety of publications, including Angi, HomeLight, Noodle, and Mimi. She is based in Los Angeles.