Salary Needed to Live in Oshkosh as a Single
A single adult living independently needs approximately $47,494/year to live comfortably in Oshkosh, WI, including 10% savings.
Direct Answer
A single person needs about $47,494/year to live comfortably in Oshkosh, WI. The bare-minimum salary is $41,076/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 10% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $2,858.
The minimum scenario leaves about $2,533/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $3,958/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$47,494
with 10% savings
Bare Minimum
$41,076
$3,423/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,533
28% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Single in Oshkosh
| Expense | Oshkosh | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1BR Rent | $655 | $1,351 | -52% |
| Groceries | $222 | $207 | +7% |
| Utilities | $127 | $169 | -25% |
| Transportation | $253 | $316 | -20% |
| Car Insurance | $159 | $211 | -25% |
| Health Insurance | $575 | $630 | -9% |
| Internet | $55 | $65 | -15% |
| Phone | $71 | $85 | -16% |
| Dining & Social | $252 | $300 | -16% |
| Entertainment | $101 | $120 | -16% |
| Personal Care | $63 | $75 | -16% |
| Total Monthly | $2,533 | $3,529 | -28% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$2,533
Target savings (10%):$325/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$2,858
Effective tax rate:26%
Gross annual salary needed:$47,494
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$655
Studio/1BR rent is 26% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
26%
Estimated federal plus WI state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
10%
$325/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
84/100
Oshkosh is below the national baseline; the model adjusts baseline spending by local rent and cost data.
Compare Salary Needed in Nearby midwest Cities
Salary Planning Checklist
- Keep studio/1br housing near $655/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $542/mo for persona-specific costs such as Internet and Phone.
- Use $41,076/year as the survival floor and $47,494/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Oshkosh
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a single person need in Oshkosh?
A single person needs approximately $47,494/year ($3,958/month gross) to live comfortably in Oshkosh with a 10% savings rate.
How much is rent for a single person in Oshkosh?
A studio/1br in Oshkosh costs approximately $655/month, which is the largest single expense at 26% of the total budget.
Is Oshkosh affordable for a single person?
Yes, Oshkosh is 28% more affordable than the national average for a single person.