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Cost of Living: Columbus, OH 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.

0.0% Milwaukee, WI is cheaper overall
4.7% 4.7% cheaper housing
2.1% 2.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 4.7% cheaper
Columbus
86
Milwaukee
82
🛒 Groceries 2.1% more
Columbus
96
Milwaukee
98
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Columbus
98
Milwaukee
100
🏥 Healthcare 4.3% more
Columbus
94
Milwaukee
98
⚡ Utilities 5.3% more
Columbus
95
Milwaukee
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Columbus, OH Milwaukee, WI Difference
Overall Cost Index9393~Same
Housing86824.7% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,100$1,0504.5% less
Median Home Price$260,000$175,00032.7% less
Groceries96982.1% more
Transportation98100~Same
Healthcare94984.3% more
Utilities951005.3% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Columbus, OH Milwaukee, WI
State Income Tax3.50% (top)7.65% (top)
State Sales Tax5.75%5.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.41%1.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Columbus, OH
$64,000
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 Columbus lifestyle.

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

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Columbus3.8%
Milwaukee4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Columbus2.8%
Milwaukee1.8%
Top Industries
ColumbusInsurance, Education, Tech
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Columbus23 min
Milwaukee24 min
Walk Score
Columbus41
Milwaukee62
Air Quality (AQI)
Columbus40
Milwaukee40
Avg Temperature
Columbus52°F
Milwaukee47°F
Population
Columbus905,748
Milwaukee577,222

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Columbus 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 Columbus 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 4.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Columbus vs Milwaukee?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,100/month in Columbus and $1,050/month in Milwaukee — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Columbus or Milwaukee?+
Ohio has a state income tax of 3.50% (top) and sales tax of 5.75%. 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 Columbus to Milwaukee?+
Median household income in Columbus is $64,000 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 Columbus vs Milwaukee?+
The median home price in Columbus is $260,000 versus $175,000 in Milwaukee — a difference of $85,000. Property tax rates also differ: Ohio averages 1.41% while Wisconsin averages 1.51%.