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Cost of Living: Chicago, IL 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.

13.1% Milwaukee, WI is cheaper overall
21.9% 21.9% 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 21.9% cheaper
Chicago
105
Milwaukee
82
🛒 Groceries 5.8% cheaper
Chicago
104
Milwaukee
98
🚗 Transportation 12.3% cheaper
Chicago
114
Milwaukee
100
🏥 Healthcare 4.9% cheaper
Chicago
103
Milwaukee
98
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Chicago
101
Milwaukee
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Chicago, IL Milwaukee, WI Difference
Overall Cost Index1079313.1% less
Housing1058221.9% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,700$1,05038.2% less
Median Home Price$310,000$175,00043.5% less
Groceries104985.8% less
Transportation11410012.3% less
Healthcare103984.9% less
Utilities101100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Chicago, IL Milwaukee, WI
State Income Tax4.95%7.65% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%5.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.95%1.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Chicago, IL
$74,000
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 Chicago lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Chicago (107) vs Milwaukee (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Chicago4.8%
Milwaukee4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Chicago2.1%
Milwaukee1.8%
Top Industries
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Chicago35 min
Milwaukee24 min
Walk Score
Chicago78
Milwaukee62
Air Quality (AQI)
Chicago44
Milwaukee40
Avg Temperature
Chicago50°F
Milwaukee47°F
Population
Chicago2,665,039
Milwaukee577,222

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Chicago 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 Chicago 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 21.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Milwaukee?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,700/month in Chicago and $1,050/month in Milwaukee — a difference of about $650 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Chicago or Milwaukee?+
Illinois has a state income tax of 4.95% 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 Chicago to Milwaukee?+
Median household income in Chicago is $74,000 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 Chicago vs Milwaukee?+
The median home price in Chicago is $310,000 versus $175,000 in Milwaukee — a difference of $135,000. Property tax rates also differ: Illinois averages 1.95% while Wisconsin averages 1.51%.