Cost of Living in Milwaukee, WI is
0.5% Higher
than the National Average

Did the Cost of Living in Milwaukee, WI increase in 2024? Milwaukee, WI area prices were up 1.8% from a year ago. The largest increases were found in Transportation, Food, and Housing.
By using Salary.com's Cost of Living Calculator, you can make a cost of living comparison of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and salary differentials of over 300+ US cities. Let us help you make an informed decision about what it will cost to live and work in the city of your dreams!
About Milwaukee, Wisconsin    Milwaukee lies along the shores and bluffs of Lake Michigan at the confluence of three rivers: the Menomonee, the Kinnickinnic, and the Milwaukee. Sma....More
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour while Wisconsin's state law sets the minimum wage rate at $7.25 per hour in 2024. Demands for a living wage that is fair to workers have resulted in numerous location-based changes to minimum wage levels. View future changes in the minimum wage in your location by visiting Minimum Wage Values in Milwaukee, WI

Cost of Living Calculator



Cost of Living in other Major Cities

City, State Compared to national average
City, State San Francisco, CA Compared to national average
+ 86.5%
City, State Washington, DC Compared to national average
+ 45.2%
City, State Miami, FL Compared to national average
+ 15.4%
City, State Chicago, IL Compared to national average
+ 12.4%
City, State Boston, MA Compared to national average
+ 53.1%
City, State New York, NY Compared to national average
+ 77.0%
City, State Dallas, TX Compared to national average
+ 7.0%

Cost of Living Milwaukee, WI by Expense Category

Category Compared to national average
CategoryEnergy Compared to national average
-5.1%
CategoryFood Compared to national average
-40.0%
CategoryHealthcare Compared to national average
-23.9%
CategoryHousing Compared to national average
+ 4.4%
CategoryTransportation Compared to national average
-28.0%

Cost of Living Comparison with Milwaukee, WI

If you move to Milwaukee from one of these cities, you would have these the changes of your cost of living.


Move From Move To Cost Of Living Comparison
Move FromSan Francisco, CA Move ToMilwaukee, WI Cost Of Living Comparision
-86.0%
Move FromWashington, DC Move ToMilwaukee, WI Cost Of Living Comparision
-44.6%
Move FromMiami, FL Move ToMilwaukee, WI Cost Of Living Comparision
-14.8%
Move FromChicago, IL Move ToMilwaukee, WI Cost Of Living Comparision
-11.9%
Move FromBoston, MA Move ToMilwaukee, WI Cost Of Living Comparision
-52.6%
Move FromNew York, NY Move ToMilwaukee, WI Cost Of Living Comparision
-76.5%
Move FromDallas, TX Move ToMilwaukee, WI Cost Of Living Comparision
-6.5%

Based on this cost of living comparison, you can see:
If you move from Chicago IL, Dallas, TX, or Miami, FL, the percent increase of your cost of living could be 22.8%, 37.8%, and 24.8%. Looks like this move could have a negative net change in disposable income, so please think carefully!
If you move from New York, NY, San Francisco, CA, or Washington, DC, the percent reduction of your cost of living could be -43.50%, -23%, and -20.10%, that's good news to you that you could be looking at a positive net change in disposable income.


About Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee lies along the shores and bluffs of Lake Michigan at the confluence of three rivers: the Menomonee, the Kinnickinnic, and the Milwaukee. Smaller rivers, such as the Root River and Lincoln Creek, also flow through the city. Milwaukee's terrain is sculpted by the glacier path and includes steep bluffs along Lake Michigan that begin about a mile (1.6 km) north of downtown. In addition, 30 miles (48 km) southwest of Milwaukee is the Kettle Moraine and lake country that provides an industrial landscape combined with inland lakes. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has ...
Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Read more from Wikipedia


Comments about the Cost of Living in Milwaukee, WI

Will the cost of food in Milwaukee, Wisconsin impact the overall cost of living there?

Yes, cost of food is important as we all have to eat! There are ways to save money on your food expenses if you plan carefully. Check out stores like Alberrsons or Walmart to buy items in bulk at a considerable savings. At different times of the year you can get local produce for low prices at roadside stands or farmer’s markets. There are lots of ways to reduce food expenses and lower your overall cost of living in Milwaukee, WI. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

I love to go to sports events, what does Milwaukee, Wisconsin have to offer?

If you love sports, you will love Milwaukee, WI! Since there are baseball, basketball teams, you can go to a lot of games. Keep in mind that the tickets tend to be expensive, so you need to manage your entertainment budget carefully. Sometimes you can get discount tickets on line. Some people purchase a season ticket with a group of friends and take turns going to the games. Sports tickets can increase your cost of living in Milwaukee, WI, but if you are a true sports fan it is worth it. In Milwaukee, WI, the games are usually shown on local TV and you can host a party of friends and watch the game together. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

What is the cost of internet and cable TV in Milwaukee, WI?

The average cost of internet access in the U.S. is $66.20 per month. There are many providers and various packages that are offered, many that bundle internet, cable, and phone together. Pricing for various packages can vary a lot even in the same location. You should evaluate the options based on your usage and preferences and pick the best fit for your needs. One tip to reduce this cost and your overall cost of living, is to get cable service from another source like Direct TV, Netflix, Sling, Amazon Prime or others. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

I am nervous about moving, what is the typical cost of moving to another city and what should I have to think about?

The average cost of moving to another state is around $5,600 for a distance of 1,200 miles. This price can vary a lot if the distance is greater and depending on how much is being moved. Even if your employer is covering the cost of a move, there will still be costs that are not covered. A cost that typically occurs is that your existing furniture and accessories are either too large, too small, or not appropriate for your new home. You may find that after you move, you will need to purchase many new items for the new location, for example, window coverings, rugs, lighting, and outdoor gear. Make sure you budget for these types of expenses and include them in the first year’s cost of living at your new location. Finally, although there is no dollar cost, is the stress of moving, which will increase if you have children or pets. Make sure you prepare in advance for what additional TLC those kids and pets will need to have a good move. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Is the cost of electricity in Milwaukee, Wisconsin expected to change in the future?

The cost of electricity in Wisconsin has gone down by 5.116% in the past year. It is possible that electric rates may fluctuate depending on consumption rates, government regulations and even the weather. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

What kind of child care is available in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and what is the cost?

The estimated average annual cost for child care in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (based on state average), is $11579. This cost is ranked NO. 13 nationally. Some employers have company provided day care centers that let you bring your child to work with you and receive care on site. Some colleges and universities with Childhood Education programs also may have day care centers available at reduced costs, so you should explore those possibilities to see if you can reduce your child care expense. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Should I plan on spending a lot on rent in Milwaukee,WI?

In Milwaukee,WI, my friend pays $892 for a large 2 bedroom apartment. Since he has 2 children, he needs to have a large apartment. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Are there fun things to in Milwaukee, Wisconsin that are free or don’t cost a lot?

Looks for areas of Milwaukee, Wisconsin where there is a large student population. In those areas you will be sure to find lots of free or cheap events to go to and plenty of cheap places to eat. Familiarize yourself with the places where students hang out, and take advantage of discounted or bargain prices, you are sure to be able to keep your cost of living reasonable. Look at the website for Milwaukee, WI to find recommendations for activities that are available and unique to the area. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Will I have to pay a lot in taxes if I move to Milwaukee, Wisconsin?

The sales tax for Milwaukee is 5%. This is the tax that you will pay on things that you buy. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Is Milwaukee, Wisconsin very congested with traffic?

Driving in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is about average compared to the rest of the country. Depending on the day and time, traffic could be heavy or light. Overall, the time and ease of your driving times, ranked 82 will impact your cost of living, since driving in heavy and slow moving traffic uses a lot of gas. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

Cost of living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is important, but what about the weather?

Milwaukee, Wisconsin is considered to have one of the COLDEST climates in the country. On average there are 126 days each year that are below freezing. Keep in mind that a cold climate could result in increased heating expenses that will impact the cost of living. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

How much is a monthly pass for public transit in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?

The cost of a monthly transit pass in Milwaukee, WI is around $72.00. Ask your employer if they offer discounted passes to save even more money and reduce your cost of commuting and overall Cost of Living (COL). ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )



Cost of Living Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cost of Living index and how is it used?

In the simplest terms, a Cost of Living index is the estimated amount that represents the cost of the basic necessities required for an individual to live. A cost of living or COL estimate may typically include estimates for housing, food, energy, medical care, transportation, taxes, and other necessities. A COL index may be used to measure what the cost difference would be for a person living in a certain location compared to another location. This cost of living comparison helps individuals make decisions about where they would like to live and what they can afford based on the costs in that location. A cost of living comparison can provide guidance about how an increase or decrease in these basic living expenses impacts necessary spending for an individual or a family. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

What factors are included in estimating your cost of living?

The Salary.com cost of living calculator estimate is based on data related to five general categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These are the universally recognized core components of any cost of living estimate and represent those expenses that apply to everyone. Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits. For example, education and/or childcare costs might not apply to everyone, but for those who have those expenses, they could be significant and should be considered when you evaluate your cost of living comparison. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )

The Salary.com cost of living calculator is unique in that it also incorporates current salary data for thousands of jobs specific to a chosen home or work location to provide a more refined estimate of the cost of living variations. You can see how your job and your salary will be impacted by a change of location. If you live in one location but work in another, the cost of living calculator will make those adjustments to provide an accurate estimate of the change in COL. The Salary.com cost of living calculator helps you to make cost of living comparisons cost comparisons easily and quickly. ( 2024-04-24 salary.com )


Last Update: 2024-04-24