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Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN 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.

2.2% Milwaukee, WI is more expensive overall
2.5% 2.5% more expensive housing
3.2% 3.2% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 2.5% more
Indianapolis
80
Milwaukee
82
🛒 Groceries 3.2% more
Indianapolis
95
Milwaukee
98
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Indianapolis
98
Milwaukee
100
🏥 Healthcare 2.1% more
Indianapolis
96
Milwaukee
98
⚡ Utilities 3.1% more
Indianapolis
97
Milwaukee
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Indianapolis, IN Milwaukee, WI Difference
Overall Cost Index91932.2% more
Housing80822.5% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,050~Same
Median Home Price$230,000$175,00023.9% less
Groceries95983.2% more
Transportation98100~Same
Healthcare96982.1% more
Utilities971003.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Indianapolis, IN Milwaukee, WI
State Income Tax3.05%7.65% (top)
State Sales Tax7.00%5.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.75%1.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Indianapolis, IN
$60,000
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 Indianapolis lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Indianapolis (91) vs Milwaukee (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Indianapolis3.9%
Milwaukee4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Indianapolis2.6%
Milwaukee1.8%
Top Industries
IndianapolisPharma, Logistics, Motorsports
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Indianapolis24 min
Milwaukee24 min
Walk Score
Indianapolis31
Milwaukee62
Air Quality (AQI)
Indianapolis42
Milwaukee40
Avg Temperature
Indianapolis53°F
Milwaukee47°F
Population
Indianapolis887,642
Milwaukee577,222

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Planning Your Move?

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🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis or Milwaukee cheaper to live in?+
Indianapolis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 2.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Indianapolis vs Milwaukee?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in Indianapolis and $1,050/month in Milwaukee — a difference of about $0 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Indianapolis or Milwaukee?+
Indiana has a state income tax of 3.05% and sales tax of 7.00%. 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 Indianapolis to Milwaukee?+
Median household income in Indianapolis is $60,000 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 Indianapolis vs Milwaukee?+
The median home price in Indianapolis is $230,000 versus $175,000 in Milwaukee — a difference of $55,000. Property tax rates also differ: Indiana averages 0.75% while Wisconsin averages 1.51%.