Burlington vs Kenosha
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Burlington
Kenosha
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 29.7%, with Kenosha being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Burlington has equivalent purchasing power to $57,839 in Kenosha.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Burlington has the same purchasing power as $57,839 in Kenosha.
Conversely, $75,000 in Kenosha equals $97,253 in Burlington.
Living in Burlington vs Kenosha
Housing Costs
Burlington's housing index of 139 is higher Kenosha's 82, translating to median home prices of $380,000 vs $275,000. The $105,000 difference in home prices means roughly $6,828 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,800/mo in Burlington compared to $1,250/mo in Kenosha, a monthly difference of $550.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 108 in Burlington and 99 in Kenosha. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $513/month in Burlington vs $470/month in Kenosha. Kenosha offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $516/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 115 in Burlington and 95 in Kenosha. Monthly utility bills average approximately $460 in Burlington vs $380 in Kenosha. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 116 in Burlington and 96 in Kenosha. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 20-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $51,098 in Burlington and $68,900 in Kenosha. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $43,303 and $75,714 respectively. Kenosha residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,192/month to housing in Burlington vs $1,608/month in Kenosha. In Burlington, median rent of $1,800/mo exceeds this threshold, suggesting renters may feel stretched. In Kenosha, median rent of $1,250/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 57 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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