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Cost of Living: Memphis, TN 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.

8.1% Milwaukee, WI is more expensive overall
17.1% 17.1% more expensive housing
6.5% 6.5% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 17.1% more
Memphis
70
Milwaukee
82
🛒 Groceries 6.5% more
Memphis
92
Milwaukee
98
🚗 Transportation 4.2% more
Memphis
96
Milwaukee
100
🏥 Healthcare 8.9% more
Memphis
90
Milwaukee
98
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Memphis
98
Milwaukee
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Memphis, TN Milwaukee, WI Difference
Overall Cost Index86938.1% more
Housing708217.1% more
Median 1BR Rent$950$1,05010.5% more
Median Home Price$165,000$175,0006.1% more
Groceries92986.5% more
Transportation961004.2% more
Healthcare90988.9% more
Utilities98100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Memphis, TN Milwaukee, WI
State Income TaxNone (0%)7.65% (top)
State Sales Tax7.00%5.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%1.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Memphis, TN
$48,000
Median household income
Milwaukee, WI
$55,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Milwaukee outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Milwaukee to maintain your Memphis lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Memphis (86) vs Milwaukee (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Memphis4.8%
Milwaukee4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Memphis1.9%
Milwaukee1.8%
Top Industries
MemphisLogistics, Healthcare, Manufacturing
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Memphis24 min
Milwaukee24 min
Walk Score
Memphis34
Milwaukee62
Air Quality (AQI)
Memphis44
Milwaukee40
Avg Temperature
Memphis63°F
Milwaukee47°F
Population
Memphis633,104
Milwaukee577,222

Moving from Memphis to Milwaukee?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Memphis 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 Memphis or Milwaukee cheaper to live in?+
Memphis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 17.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Memphis vs Milwaukee?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $950/month in Memphis and $1,050/month in Milwaukee — a difference of about $100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Memphis or Milwaukee?+
Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) 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 Memphis to Milwaukee?+
Median household income in Memphis is $48,000 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 Memphis vs Milwaukee?+
The median home price in Memphis is $165,000 versus $175,000 in Milwaukee — a difference of $10,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while Wisconsin averages 1.51%.