Side-by-side comparison of home prices, mortgage payments, and housing costs between Eau Claire and Kenosha, Wisconsin. Using Wisconsin's 1.76% property tax rate and $1,300/year insurance. Updated for 2026.
Metric
Eau Claire
Kenosha
Median Home Price
$245K
$245K
Population
69,421
99,889
Average Rent
$1,050/mo
$1,120/mo
Est. Monthly Mortgage (P&I)
$1,394/mo
$1,394/mo
Est. Monthly Property Tax
$359/mo
$359/mo
Est. Monthly Insurance
$108/mo
$108/mo
Est. Total PITI
$1,953/mo
$1,953/mo
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.4
18.2
Verdict
Eau Claire and Kenosha are nearly identical in monthly housing costs, with only $0/month separating them. Your choice should come down to lifestyle, commute, and neighborhood preferences rather than cost.
Monthly Payment Comparison
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI. Uses Wisconsin's 1.76% property tax rate.
Eau Claire
Home Price$245,000
Down Payment (10%)$24,500
Loan Amount$220,500
Monthly P&I$1,394
Monthly Property Tax$359
Monthly Insurance$108
Monthly PMI$92
Total PITI$1,953/mo
Annual property tax: $4,312
Kenosha
Home Price$245,000
Down Payment (10%)$24,500
Loan Amount$220,500
Monthly P&I$1,394
Monthly Property Tax$359
Monthly Insurance$108
Monthly PMI$92
Total PITI$1,953/mo
Annual property tax: $4,312
Which City Is Better For...
First-Time Buyers
Kenosha is the better choice for first-time buyers, with a median price of $245K versus $245K in Eau Claire. That's $0 less to save for a down payment. You'd need roughly $9K for an FHA 3.5% down payment in Kenosha, compared to $9K in Eau Claire. Wisconsin offers the WHEDA First-Time Advantage program (Up to $3,050 Easy Close grant) which applies in both cities.
Real Estate Investment
Kenosha has the better price-to-rent ratio at 18.2x versus 19.4x in Eau Claire. A lower ratio generally signals better rental income relative to purchase price. Average rent in Kenosha is $1,120/month on a $245K median home, making it a stronger candidate for buy-and-rent investors.
Families
Kenosha (pop. 99,889) offers more amenities, schools, and services typical of a larger city, while Eau Claire (pop. 69,421) may offer a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle. Kenosha offers both more options and lower housing costs, making it attractive for families who want urban amenities without a premium price.