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Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Milwaukee, WI

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

13.9% Milwaukee, WI is cheaper overall
26.8% 26.8% cheaper housing
5.8% 5.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 26.8% cheaper
Baltimore
112
Milwaukee
82
🛒 Groceries 5.8% cheaper
Baltimore
104
Milwaukee
98
🚗 Transportation 9.1% cheaper
Baltimore
110
Milwaukee
100
🏥 Healthcare 5.8% cheaper
Baltimore
104
Milwaukee
98
⚡ Utilities 7.4% cheaper
Baltimore
108
Milwaukee
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Baltimore, MD Milwaukee, WI Difference
Overall Cost Index1089313.9% less
Housing1128226.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,05022.2% less
Median Home Price$220,000$175,00020.5% less
Groceries104985.8% less
Transportation1101009.1% less
Healthcare104985.8% less
Utilities1081007.4% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Baltimore, MD Milwaukee, WI
State Income Tax5.75% (top)7.65% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%5.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.99%1.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Baltimore, MD
$58,000
Median household income
Milwaukee, WI
$55,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Milwaukee outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Milwaukee to maintain your Baltimore lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Baltimore (108) vs Milwaukee (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Baltimore5.0%
Milwaukee4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Baltimore1.7%
Milwaukee1.8%
Top Industries
BaltimoreHealthcare, Education, Defense
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Baltimore31 min
Milwaukee24 min
Walk Score
Baltimore67
Milwaukee62
Air Quality (AQI)
Baltimore44
Milwaukee40
Avg Temperature
Baltimore56°F
Milwaukee47°F
Population
Baltimore585,708
Milwaukee577,222

Moving from Baltimore to Milwaukee?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Baltimore and Milwaukee → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Milwaukee →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Baltimore or Milwaukee cheaper to live in?+
Milwaukee is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 26.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Baltimore vs Milwaukee?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Baltimore and $1,050/month in Milwaukee — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Baltimore or Milwaukee?+
Maryland has a state income tax of 5.75% (top) and sales tax of 6.00%. Wisconsin has a state income tax of 7.65% (top) and sales tax of 5.00%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Baltimore to Milwaukee?+
Median household income in Baltimore is $58,000 compared to $55,000 in Milwaukee. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Baltimore vs Milwaukee?+
The median home price in Baltimore is $220,000 versus $175,000 in Milwaukee — a difference of $45,000. Property tax rates also differ: Maryland averages 0.99% while Wisconsin averages 1.51%.