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Cost of Living: Boston, MA 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.

31.1% Milwaukee, WI is cheaper overall
52.3% 52.3% cheaper housing
10.9% 10.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 52.3% cheaper
Boston
172
Milwaukee
82
🛒 Groceries 10.9% cheaper
Boston
110
Milwaukee
98
🚗 Transportation 15.3% cheaper
Boston
118
Milwaukee
100
🏥 Healthcare 14.8% cheaper
Boston
115
Milwaukee
98
⚡ Utilities 10.7% cheaper
Boston
112
Milwaukee
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Boston, MA Milwaukee, WI Difference
Overall Cost Index1359331.1% less
Housing1728252.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,600$1,05059.6% less
Median Home Price$700,000$175,00075.0% less
Groceries1109810.9% less
Transportation11810015.3% less
Healthcare1159814.8% less
Utilities11210010.7% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Boston, MA Milwaukee, WI
State Income Tax9.00% (top)7.65% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%5.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.14%1.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Boston, MA
$98,000
Median household income
Milwaukee, WI
$55,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Milwaukee costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Boston (135) vs Milwaukee (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Boston3.6%
Milwaukee4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Boston2.9%
Milwaukee1.8%
Top Industries
BostonBiotech, Education, Finance
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Boston31 min
Milwaukee24 min
Walk Score
Boston82
Milwaukee62
Air Quality (AQI)
Boston38
Milwaukee40
Avg Temperature
Boston51°F
Milwaukee47°F
Population
Boston675,647
Milwaukee577,222

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Boston 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 Boston 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 52.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Boston vs Milwaukee?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,600/month in Boston and $1,050/month in Milwaukee — a difference of about $1,550 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Boston or Milwaukee?+
Massachusetts has a state income tax of 9.00% (top) and sales tax of 6.25%. 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 Boston to Milwaukee?+
Median household income in Boston is $98,000 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 Boston vs Milwaukee?+
The median home price in Boston is $700,000 versus $175,000 in Milwaukee — a difference of $525,000. Property tax rates also differ: Massachusetts averages 1.14% while Wisconsin averages 1.51%.