Milwaukee, WI, US
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 US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 6.3%
- 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
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5a
Housing
- Median Home: $175,000
- 1BR Rent: $1100/mo
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% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $175,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1100/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,375/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $116 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Milwaukee:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $115 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $85 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $50 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $55 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | $305 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Milwaukee scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
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" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Milwaukee faces the following natural hazards:
Severe winter storms and lake-effect snow.
Summer heat waves.
Tornado risk.
Lake Michigan coastal flooding.
Wildfire risk in forested areas.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 6.27%
- Sales Tax: 5.5%
- Property Tax: ~2.31% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.5%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Milwaukee per 100,000 residents:
Data source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Milwaukee, WI, US?
The cost of living index in Milwaukee is 95.2, which is Lower the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Milwaukee?
The median home price in Milwaukee is $175,000. The housing index is 86.4.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Milwaukee is approximately $1100/mo.
Does Milwaukee, WI have income tax?
Milwaukee is in WI, which has an income tax rate of 6.27%.
What is the climate like in Milwaukee?
Milwaukee enjoys approximately 191 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 80°F, while winter lows can drop to around 15°F.
Relocation Guides
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.