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Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL 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.

3.1% Milwaukee, WI is cheaper overall
16.3% 16.3% cheaper housing
1.0% 1.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 16.3% cheaper
Jacksonville
98
Milwaukee
82
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Jacksonville
97
Milwaukee
98
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Jacksonville
98
Milwaukee
100
🏥 Healthcare 6.5% more
Jacksonville
92
Milwaukee
98
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Jacksonville
102
Milwaukee
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Jacksonville, FL Milwaukee, WI Difference
Overall Cost Index96933.1% less
Housing988216.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,300$1,05019.2% less
Median Home Price$310,000$175,00043.5% less
Groceries9798~Same
Transportation98100~Same
Healthcare92986.5% more
Utilities102100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Jacksonville, FL Milwaukee, WI
State Income TaxNone (0%)7.65% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%5.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.80%1.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Jacksonville, FL
$63,000
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 Jacksonville lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Jacksonville (96) vs Milwaukee (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Jacksonville3.7%
Milwaukee4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Jacksonville3.1%
Milwaukee1.8%
Top Industries
JacksonvilleFinance, Logistics, Military
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Jacksonville26 min
Milwaukee24 min
Walk Score
Jacksonville26
Milwaukee62
Air Quality (AQI)
Jacksonville36
Milwaukee40
Avg Temperature
Jacksonville69°F
Milwaukee47°F
Population
Jacksonville949,611
Milwaukee577,222

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 16.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Jacksonville vs Milwaukee?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,300/month in Jacksonville and $1,050/month in Milwaukee — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Jacksonville or Milwaukee?+
Florida has a state income tax of None (0%) 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 Jacksonville to Milwaukee?+
Median household income in Jacksonville is $63,000 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 Jacksonville vs Milwaukee?+
The median home price in Jacksonville is $310,000 versus $175,000 in Milwaukee — a difference of $135,000. Property tax rates also differ: Florida averages 0.80% while Wisconsin averages 1.51%.