![Milwaukee, WI — Cost of Living, Housing & Relocation Guide [2026]](/images/cities/milwaukee-wi.jpg)
Milwaukee, WI
Brew City on Lake Michigan with summer festivals, cheap housing, and cheese curds.
Below Average vs US avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Milwaukee vs National Average
Taxes
- State Income: 6.27%
- Sales Tax: 5.5%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $44,000
- Unemployment: 3.5%
- Population: 561,385
Climate
- Sunny Days: 191/year
- Summer High: 80°F
- Winter Low: 15°F
Housing
- Median Home: $175,000
- 1BR Rent: $1100/mo
Overview
Milwaukee is a city in WI with a population of 561,385. Brew City on Lake Michigan with summer festivals, cheap housing, and cheese curds.
Cost of Living
Milwaukee’s cost of living index is 95.2 (US average = 100).
| Category | Milwaukee | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 95.2 | 100 | -4.8% |
| Housing | 86.4 | 100 | -13.6% |
| Utilities | 98.5 | 100 | -1.5% |
| Groceries | 96.8 | 100 | -3.2% |
| Transportation | 104.2 | 100 | +4.2% |
| Healthcare | 100.5 | 100 | +0.5% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $175,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1,100/month |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,375/month |
| Price per Sq Ft | $116 |
| Year-over-Year Change | -0.5% |
Data source: Zillow Research, May 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Best Neighborhoods
Downtown Milwaukee
The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: $1,320/month.
Milwaukee Heights
Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: $1,210/month.
East Milwaukee
Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: $990/month.
West Milwaukee
Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: $1,045/month.
Remote Work Score
Milwaukee scores 122/100 for remote work readiness:
- Internet Speed: Average 200 Mbps (Good)
- Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations (Good)
- Cost of Living: Moderate (Good)
- Climate: 191 sunny days/year (Fair)
- Quality of Life: High (Good)
Climate
Milwaukee has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 35°F | 15°F | 2.5" |
| April | 65°F | 30°F | 2.8" |
| July | 80°F | 55°F | 1.5" |
| October | 60°F | 33°F | 2.2" |
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 6.27%
- Sales Tax: 5.5%
- Property Tax: ~0.8% of assessed value
Economy
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.5%.
FAQ
Is milwaukee-wi a good place to live?
milwaukee-wi offers a strong combination of affordability, job opportunities, and quality of life. Use our cost of living calculator and relocation guides to see if it fits your budget and lifestyle.
What is the cost of living in milwaukee-wi?
The cost of living in milwaukee-wi varies by neighborhood and lifestyle. Check our detailed cost breakdown above for specific numbers on housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation.
How much do I need to earn to live comfortably in milwaukee-wi?
Use our Salary Equivalence Calculator to find out how much you need to earn in milwaukee-wi to maintain your current standard of living.
Data Sources
- Cost of living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER)
- Housing data: Zillow Research
- Demographics: US Census Bureau
- Climate: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
- Taxes: Tax Foundation
Last updated: June 29, 2026
Disclaimer: All data on this page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. Cost of living indices, housing prices, tax rates, and other figures are estimates based on publicly available data and may not reflect current market conditions. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.