Moving to Green Bay in 2026: Cost of Living, Housing, and What to Know
Green Bay Beyond the Packers: A City Worth Knowing
Green Bay sits at the southern tip of the bay that shares its name, where the Fox River meets Lake Michigan’s western arm. With a population of about 107,000 (metro area: roughly 325,000), it’s Wisconsin’s third-largest city and one of the most affordable mid-sized metros in the Midwest. The city is inseparable from the Green Bay Packers — the NFL franchise that defines the community’s identity — but there’s much more here than football.
The median home price in Green Bay was approximately $265,000 in early 2026, according to the Realtors Association of Northeast Wisconsin. That’s well below the national median and lower than Madison, though it’s risen about 35% since 2020. For a city with low unemployment, decent schools, and genuine community character, those numbers represent real value.
Green Bay is a manufacturing city that’s successfully added healthcare, education, and service-sector jobs to its economic base. It’s also a city that takes winter seriously — average January temperatures hover around 18°F, and 50+ inches of snow is normal. If you’re considering a move here, you need to like cold weather, or at least tolerate it.
Green Bay’s Neighborhoods
Astor Park / East Side
The East Side, particularly the Astor Park area, is Green Bay’s most established residential neighborhood. Tree-lined streets with Craftsman and Colonial homes built in the 1920s through 1950s give the area genuine character. Prices range from $150,000 to $280,000, with well-maintained homes at the upper end. Astor Park itself is a beautiful neighborhood park, and Bay Beach Amusement Park — one of the cheapest amusement parks in America (rides cost 25 cents) — is nearby.
West Side (Allouez, Bellevue)
The west and southwest side, including the villages of Allouez and Bellevue, has seen the most new development in recent years. Newer subdivisions with homes in the $280,000 to $400,000 range are common. These areas have good access to shopping (Bay Park Square Mall area), newer schools, and the main commercial corridors. Bellevue in particular has grown rapidly, with a mix of single-family homes and townhouses.
De Pere
Just south of Green Bay, De Pere (population ~26,000) is home to St. Norbert College and has a charming downtown along the Fox River. It’s the most popular suburb for families, with strong schools (the De Pere School District is well-regarded) and a walkable downtown with local shops and restaurants. Housing runs $250,000 to $380,000, with older homes near downtown and newer construction on the edges.
Howard and Suamico
North of Green Bay, Howard and Suamico offer more affordable new construction — homes in the $220,000 to $320,000 range — and a more rural feel. Duck Creek flows through Howard, and both communities are growing as Green Bay expands northward. Schools are part of the Howard-Suamico School District, which has a strong reputation.
Downtown Green Bay
Downtown has seen significant reinvestment over the past decade. The CityDeck along the Fox River, a multi-use public space, has attracted restaurants, housing, and events. Condos and apartments downtown range from $150,000 to $300,000 for purchases or $800 to $1,400 for rentals. It’s compact and walkable, though most of Green Bay still requires a car.
| Area | Median Home Price | Avg Rent (1BR) | Character | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Astor Park / East Side | $150K–$280K | $750–$1,000 | Established, charming | First-time buyers |
| West Side (Allouez/Bellevue) | $280K–$400K | $1,000–$1,300 | Newer development | Families |
| De Pere | $250K–$380K | $900–$1,200 | College town, walkable | Families, professionals |
| Howard / Suamico | $220K–$320K | $800–$1,100 | Suburban, growing | Value-focused buyers |
| Downtown | $150K–$300K | $800–$1,400 | Riverfront, revitalizing | Young professionals |
Economy and Jobs
Green Bay’s economy rests on a surprisingly diverse base for a city its size. Manufacturing still matters — Georgia-Pacific (paper products), Procter & Gamble, and several food processing companies employ thousands. But healthcare has become the metro’s largest employment sector, anchored by Bellin Health, HSHS St. Vincent Hospital, and Prevea Health.
Schneider National, one of the largest trucking and logistics companies in North America, is headquartered in Green Bay. Associated Banc-Corp, Shopko (now online-only), and Schreiber Foods (the world’s largest privately held cheese company) also call the area home.
The unemployment rate in the Green Bay metro has consistently been below 3%, one of the lowest in Wisconsin. Median household income is approximately $57,000 — lower than Madison but above Milwaukee’s city-level median. The combination of affordable housing and low unemployment makes the area’s economics work for most families.
Of course, the Packers are an employer too — and their economic impact goes far beyond the team payroll. Game days inject millions into the local economy, and the franchise’s unique publicly owned structure means profits stay in the community.
Cost of Living
Green Bay’s cost of living is approximately 12% below the national average. Housing is the biggest saving, running about 40% below national norms. Groceries, transportation, and healthcare costs are all close to or slightly below average.
Property taxes in Brown County average about 2.1% of assessed value — high by national standards but typical for Wisconsin. On a $265,000 home, you’ll pay approximately $4,500 per year. The Wisconsin lottery and gaming credit reduces this slightly. Check the property tax calculator for a more precise estimate.
Heating costs are significant. Natural gas bills during December through February can run $200 to $300 per month for a typical 3-bedroom home. Green Bay’s winters are colder than Milwaukee’s or Madison’s — it’s about 100 miles further north. Budget accordingly, and consider energy efficiency when evaluating homes. Browse our guide to roofing costs in Wisconsin. Review our guide to HVAC costs in Wisconsin.
| Category | Green Bay | National Average | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $265,000 | $410,000 | 48% |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $850 | $1,500 | 43% |
| Groceries (monthly, family) | $820 | $900 | 9% |
| Gas (per gallon) | $3.05 | $3.30 | 8% |
| Property Tax Rate | ~2.1% | ~1.1% | -91% (higher) |
| Utilities (monthly avg) | $220 | $250 | 12% |
Schools and Education
The Green Bay Area Public School District serves about 20,000 students and offers a mix of traditional, charter, and specialty schools. Preble and Southwest High Schools are generally well-regarded. The district also operates several dual-language immersion programs reflecting the area’s growing Hispanic and Hmong communities.
Surrounding districts — De Pere, Howard-Suamico, Ashwaubenon, and Pulaski — are all solid performers and attract families willing to live just outside the city. De Pere and Howard-Suamico in particular consistently score above state averages on standardized testing.
Higher education includes UW-Green Bay (about 9,000 students), St. Norbert College (a private liberal arts school in De Pere with about 2,000 students), and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC). UW-Green Bay has expanded its programs significantly in recent years, adding nursing, engineering technology, and business majors.
Weather and Winter Living
Let’s be direct: Green Bay is cold. The city averages about 50 inches of snow per year, with measurable snowfall typically from late October through April. January average highs are around 24°F, with lows near 8°F. Wind chill below -20°F happens several times each winter.
The bay itself influences weather patterns — lake-effect snow can add to totals, and fog is common in spring and fall during temperature transitions.
For homeowners, freeze-thaw cycles are a constant concern. Water infiltration, foundation cracks, ice dams on roofs, and burst pipes are all risks that require proactive maintenance. Proper insulation, gutter management, and furnace maintenance aren’t optional here — they’re essential. Read the home maintenance guide for more on protecting your property in cold climates.
The flip side is that Green Bay summers are gorgeous — average July highs around 80°F with low humidity. The long summer days (sunset after 8:30 PM in June) and access to the bay, rivers, and Door County make the warm months exceptional.
Recreation and Lifestyle
The Packers dominate Green Bay’s cultural identity. Lambeau Field, which seats 81,441, is sold out for every game — the waiting list for season tickets is over 140,000 names long and hasn’t been cleared since 1960. Even if you’re not a football fan, the energy on game days is infectious and unlike anything else in professional sports. Stadium tours and the Packers Hall of Fame are year-round attractions.
Beyond football, Green Bay offers solid outdoor recreation. The Fox River Trail system provides miles of paved trail for biking and running. Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is a free 700-acre urban wildlife refuge. The Cofrin Arboretum at UW-Green Bay and the Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve offer additional nature access.
Door County, Wisconsin’s scenic peninsula, is about an hour north — a major draw for weekend trips. Fish Creek, Ephraim, and Sister Bay offer lakeside charm, cherry orchards, state parks, and some of the best kayaking in the Midwest.
Green Bay’s dining scene is unpretentious. Friday fish fries are a weekly institution (as they are across Wisconsin), and the city has a growing number of solid restaurants. The Hmong community, numbering about 10,000 in the metro area, has added excellent Southeast Asian food to the local dining scene.
Buying a Home in Green Bay
Green Bay’s housing market offers genuine affordability for first-time buyers. At $265,000 median, a buyer with a 5% down payment needs about $13,250 plus closing costs. Monthly payments on a 30-year mortgage at current rates, including taxes and insurance, run roughly $1,500 to $1,800 — comparable to or less than renting in many cases.
The housing stock ranges from well-maintained Craftsman homes on the east side (many built 1920s-1940s) to newer construction in Howard, Suamico, and Bellevue. Older homes often have smaller lots, detached garages (which are less convenient in winter), and may need updates to mechanicals and insulation.
Key Wisconsin buying considerations apply here: the mandatory Real Estate Condition Report, radon testing (Brown County has moderate-to-high radon potential), and attention to basement conditions. Green Bay’s clay soils and high water table make basement moisture a common issue. Have your inspector check carefully, and ask about the home’s drainage and sump pump history.
If the home uses a well and private on-site wastewater treatment (POWTS, Wisconsin’s term for septic systems), additional inspections are needed. Properties outside municipal water and sewer — common in the surrounding rural areas — require well water testing and septic system evaluation. See the mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly costs. Read our our Green Bay agent rankings.
Green Bay’s Challenges
The metro area’s job market, while low in unemployment, doesn’t offer the salary potential of Madison or larger metros. Top earners in manufacturing, healthcare administration, or corporate roles can do well, but the ceiling is lower than in bigger markets. Remote workers earning coastal salaries will find Green Bay extremely comfortable; local earners face tighter margins.
Cultural amenities are limited compared to Milwaukee or Madison. The dining and entertainment scenes are growing but still modest for a metro of 325,000. If you need frequent access to live theater, diverse international cuisine, or a large arts scene, Green Bay will feel small.
The Packers’ dominance can be overwhelming if you’re not a football fan. From August through February, Packers talk consumes conversation, media, and social life in a way that’s hard to overstate.
Diversity is growing but still limited. Green Bay’s Hispanic and Hmong communities have added cultural richness, but the metro remains predominantly white (about 76%). People of color may find the social environment less inclusive than in larger cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Green Bay a good place for first-time home buyers?
Green Bay is one of the best markets in Wisconsin for first-time buyers. The $265,000 median price means a 3-5% down payment of $7,950 to $13,250 puts you in the market. FHA loans are commonly used here. Low unemployment and affordable cost of living make the math work for most working households. Use the affordability calculator to see what you can comfortably afford.
How cold does Green Bay get in winter?
Very cold. Average January lows are around 8°F, with wind chill regularly pushing to -20°F or below. The “Frozen Tundra” nickname for Lambeau Field is earned. However, residents are well-prepared — homes have strong heating systems, the city handles snow removal efficiently, and the culture embraces winter rather than fighting it.
What are the best suburbs of Green Bay?
De Pere is the most popular suburb, with a walkable downtown, strong schools, and St. Norbert College adding cultural life. Howard-Suamico to the north offers newer, affordable housing and a well-regarded school district. Allouez and Bellevue on the west side have good access to shopping and healthcare.
Is Green Bay only for Packers fans?
You don’t have to love football to enjoy Green Bay, but you should know that Packers culture is pervasive. Game days reshape the city — traffic patterns, restaurant availability, and social plans all revolve around the schedule from September through January. Most residents find it adds to the community spirit, but it’s worth knowing going in.
What’s the job market like in Green Bay?
Strong, with unemployment consistently below 3%. Healthcare (Bellin, Prevea, HSHS St. Vincent) is the largest employer sector. Manufacturing (Georgia-Pacific, P&G), logistics (Schneider National), and financial services (Associated Banc-Corp) round out the base. Median household income is about $57,000, which goes far at local housing costs.
How far is Door County from Green Bay?
About 45 minutes to Sturgeon Bay (the county seat) and 60-75 minutes to the more popular destinations like Fish Creek, Ephraim, and Sister Bay. It’s close enough for regular weekend trips, which is one of Green Bay’s lifestyle advantages.