đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Kenosha and New York
Head-to-Head Analysis
Kenosha vs New York
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Kenosha | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $68,885 | $76,577 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.1% | 5.3% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $250,000 | $875,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $185 | $604 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,071 | $2,451 |
| Housing Cost Index | 107.5 | 149.3 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 91.6 | 109.5 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $2.89 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 323.9 | 364.2 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 28.1% | 42.5% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 34 | 31 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
New York vs. Kenosha: The Ultimate Relocation Showdown
Let’s be real: choosing between New York City and Kenosha, Wisconsin, isn’t just picking a city—it’s picking a whole different planet. One is a global icon of ambition and chaos; the other is a quiet, scenic town on the shores of Lake Michigan. If you’re standing at this crossroads, you’re likely trying to figure out which version of the American Dream fits your life right now.
So, grab your coffee (or your craft beer), and let’s dive into the data, the vibes, and the straight-up reality of living in these two wildly different places.
🏙️ The Vibe Check: Fast-Paced Metro vs. Laid-Back Lakeside
New York City is the energy drink of cities. It’s relentless, dazzling, and exhausting. The culture is a global melting pot—world-class museums, Broadway shows, 24/7 dining, and a hustle mentality that seeps into everything. It’s for the person who wants to be in the center of everything, who thrives on anonymity mixed with the thrill of infinite opportunity. If you feel like your life is too quiet, NYC is the antidote.
Kenosha, Wisconsin is a deep breath of fresh air—literally. It’s a historic port town with a charming downtown, beautiful lakefront parks, and a strong sense of community. The pace is slower, people know their neighbors, and weekends are for lake walks, farmers' markets, and exploring the local brewery scene. It’s for the person who values work-life balance, affordability, and a quieter, more grounded lifestyle. It’s where you go to put down roots, not just chase a dream.
Verdict: NYC is for the thrill-seeker; Kenosha is for the peace-seeker.
đź’¸ The Dollar Power: Sticker Shock vs. Bang for Your Buck
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk cold, hard cash.
The Cost of Living Breakdown
| Category | New York, NY | Kenosha, WI | The Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $875,000 | $250,000 | 3.5x Higher in NYC |
| Rent (1BR) | $2,451 | $1,071 | 2.3x Higher in NYC |
| Housing Index | 149.3 | 107.5 | 39% More Expensive |
| Median Income | $76,577 | 68,885 | 11% Higher in NYC |
The Purchasing Power Wars
Here’s the brutal math. If you earn $100,000 in New York City, your purchasing power is effectively slashed. After federal, state, and city taxes, your take-home pay is roughly $68,000 (depending on deductions). That means your $2,451 rent eats up 43% of your take-home pay, leaving you with about $2,800/month for everything else—which, in NYC, is tight.
In Kenosha, earning $100,000 feels like a fortune. Wisconsin’s state income tax is progressive but lower than New York’s. Your take-home is closer to $74,000. With rent at $1,071, that’s only 17% of your take-home. You’d have over $5,000/month left for savings, travel, and fun. That’s a night-and-day difference.
Insight on Taxes: New York has one of the highest state and local tax burdens in the country. Wisconsin is moderate. This compounds the cost-of-living gap. In NYC, you’re paying a premium for access; in Kenosha, you’re paying for space and stability.
Verdict: Kenosha wins on pure purchasing power. NYC is where your money vanishes faster.
🏡 The Housing Market: Renting vs. Buying
New York City: It’s a seller’s market on steroids. Inventory is perpetually low, competition is fierce, and bidding wars are common, even for rentals. Most people rent because buying is a financial mountain to climb. The median home price of $875,000 is just the entry point; you’ll often need 20% down ($175,000) and a massive income to qualify. It’s a market defined by scarcity and high stakes.
Kenosha, WI: It’s a balanced market leaning buyer-friendly. With a median home price of $250,000, homeownership is a realistic goal for many. Inventory is reasonable, and you can find a charming single-family home with a yard for a fraction of a NYC apartment’s cost. The barrier to entry is vastly lower, making it a prime spot for first-time buyers or those looking to upgrade their living space without going broke.
Verdict: For buying a home and building equity, Kenosha is the clear winner. NYC is a renter’s city.
🚨 The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life Factors
Traffic & Commute
- New York: The subway is legendary but can be a nightmare—delays, crowding, and 45+ minute commutes are standard. Driving is expensive (garage fees, tolls) and stressful. Your time is not your own.
- Kenosha: The average commute is under 25 minutes. Traffic jams are rare. You can drive most places easily, and parking is usually free. Your time is your own.
Weather & Climate
- New York: Humid summers (average 50°F is misleading; summer highs hit 85°F+ with high humidity) and cold, snowy winters. The weather is a real factor in daily life.
- Kenosha: A true four-season climate. Winters are cold and snowy (average 18°F), but summers are gorgeous and less humid than NYC. The lake provides a stunning backdrop but can also mean lake-effect snow.
Crime & Safety
- New York: Violent crime rate of 364.2 per 100k. While NYC is safer than many major cities, it’s a statistical reality of a dense metropolis. Safety varies drastically by neighborhood. You must be street-smart.
- Kenosha: Violent crime rate of 323.9 per 100k. Statistically, it’s slightly lower than NYC. In a smaller town, this feels more personal and less random. It’s generally considered a safe community, but like anywhere, it has its issues.
Verdict: Kenosha wins on commute and ease of life. NYC offers more weather variety but with more hassle. Safety is a toss-up based on neighborhood context.
🏆 The Final Verdict: Who Should Move Where?
Winner for Families: Kenosha
For raising a family, Kenosha is a slam dunk. The $250,000 median home price means you can afford a house with a yard, good schools, and a safe community. The slower pace, lower stress, and community feel are ideal for kids. You can give them a childhood of bike rides and park days instead of subway lessons.
Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: New York
If you’re 25, ambitious, and hungry for experiences, NYC is the place. The networking opportunities, social scene, and career growth are unmatched. Yes, you’ll live in a shoebox and have roommates, but you’re paying for access to a global stage. It’s a launchpad, not a forever home for most.
Winner for Retirees: Kenosha
Retirement is about stretching your savings and enjoying peace. Kenosha offers a stunning lakefront, walkable downtown, and a cost of living that lets a fixed income go much further. The slower pace and community focus are perfect for this life stage. NYC’s high costs and chaos are often less appealing in retirement.
🎯 Pros & Cons: At a Glance
New York City
Pros:
- Unmatched career opportunities and cultural access.
- World-class dining, arts, and entertainment.
- Public transportation means you don’t need a car.
- Incredible diversity and energy.
Cons:
- Extreme cost of living—rent and taxes will crush your budget.
- Competitive, stressful, and fast-paced lifestyle.
- Small living spaces for high prices.
- Sticker shock on every daily expense.
Kenosha, Wisconsin
Pros:
- Incredible value—you get more house for your money.
- Short commutes and easy, stress-free driving.
- Strong community feel and beautiful natural setting.
- Lower overall tax burden and cost of living.
Cons:
- Limited career opportunities outside of specific industries.
- Fewer cultural and entertainment options (you’ll drive to Chicago for big events).
- Harsh, snowy winters.
- Less diversity and a slower pace that can feel boring to some.
Bottom Line:
Choose New York if you prioritize career growth, cultural immersion, and can handle the financial grind. It’s a city that rewards ambition but punishes complacency.
Choose Kenosha if you prioritize financial freedom, a balanced lifestyle, and community. It’s where you go to build a life, not just chase a dream.
The choice isn’t about which city is better—it’s about which one is better for you.