Home › Compare › Las Vegas, NV vs Milwaukee, WI

Cost of Living: Las Vegas, NV 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.

9.7% Milwaukee, WI is cheaper overall
26.8% 26.8% cheaper housing
2.0% 2.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 26.8% cheaper
Las Vegas
112
Milwaukee
82
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Las Vegas
100
Milwaukee
98
🚗 Transportation 3.8% cheaper
Las Vegas
104
Milwaukee
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Las Vegas
98
Milwaukee
98
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Las Vegas
98
Milwaukee
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Las Vegas, NV Milwaukee, WI Difference
Overall Cost Index103939.7% less
Housing1128226.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,05022.2% less
Median Home Price$380,000$175,00053.9% less
Groceries10098~Same
Transportation1041003.8% less
Healthcare9898~Same
Utilities98100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Las Vegas, NV Milwaukee, WI
State Income TaxNone (0%)7.65% (top)
State Sales Tax6.85%5.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.48%1.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Las Vegas, NV
$62,000
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 Las Vegas lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Las Vegas (103) vs Milwaukee (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Las Vegas5.2%
Milwaukee4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Las Vegas3.0%
Milwaukee1.8%
Top Industries
Las VegasHospitality, Entertainment, Construction
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Las Vegas25 min
Milwaukee24 min
Walk Score
Las Vegas41
Milwaukee62
Air Quality (AQI)
Las Vegas52
Milwaukee40
Avg Temperature
Las Vegas68°F
Milwaukee47°F
Population
Las Vegas646,790
Milwaukee577,222

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas 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 26.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Las Vegas vs Milwaukee?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Las Vegas and $1,050/month in Milwaukee — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Las Vegas or Milwaukee?+
Nevada has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.85%. 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 Las Vegas to Milwaukee?+
Median household income in Las Vegas is $62,000 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 Las Vegas vs Milwaukee?+
The median home price in Las Vegas is $380,000 versus $175,000 in Milwaukee — a difference of $205,000. Property tax rates also differ: Nevada averages 0.48% while Wisconsin averages 1.51%.