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Cost of Living: Louisville, KY 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.

1.1% Milwaukee, WI is more expensive overall
0.0% 0.0% cheaper 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 ~Same
Louisville
82
Milwaukee
82
🛒 Groceries 3.2% more
Louisville
95
Milwaukee
98
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Louisville
98
Milwaukee
100
🏥 Healthcare 4.3% more
Louisville
94
Milwaukee
98
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Louisville
100
Milwaukee
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Louisville, KY Milwaukee, WI Difference
Overall Cost Index9293~Same
Housing8282~Same
Median 1BR Rent$1,000$1,0505.0% more
Median Home Price$225,000$175,00022.2% less
Groceries95983.2% more
Transportation98100~Same
Healthcare94984.3% more
Utilities100100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Louisville, KY Milwaukee, WI
State Income Tax4.00%7.65% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%5.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.78%1.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Louisville, KY
$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 Louisville lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Louisville (92) vs Milwaukee (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Louisville4.0%
Milwaukee4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Louisville2.3%
Milwaukee1.8%
Top Industries
LouisvilleHealthcare, Manufacturing, Logistics
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Louisville23 min
Milwaukee24 min
Walk Score
Louisville36
Milwaukee62
Air Quality (AQI)
Louisville46
Milwaukee40
Avg Temperature
Louisville57°F
Milwaukee47°F
Population
Louisville633,045
Milwaukee577,222

Moving from Louisville to Milwaukee?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Louisville 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 Louisville or Milwaukee cheaper to live in?+
Louisville is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 0.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Louisville vs Milwaukee?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,000/month in Louisville and $1,050/month in Milwaukee — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Louisville or Milwaukee?+
Kentucky has a state income tax of 4.00% 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 Louisville to Milwaukee?+
Median household income in Louisville 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 Louisville vs Milwaukee?+
The median home price in Louisville is $225,000 versus $175,000 in Milwaukee — a difference of $50,000. Property tax rates also differ: Kentucky averages 0.78% while Wisconsin averages 1.51%.