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Cost of Living: Miami, 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.

22.5% Milwaukee, WI is cheaper overall
44.6% 44.6% cheaper housing
8.4% 8.4% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 44.6% cheaper
Miami
148
Milwaukee
82
🛒 Groceries 8.4% cheaper
Miami
107
Milwaukee
98
🚗 Transportation 10.7% cheaper
Miami
112
Milwaukee
100
🏥 Healthcare 6.7% cheaper
Miami
105
Milwaukee
98
⚡ Utilities 2.9% cheaper
Miami
103
Milwaukee
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Miami, FL Milwaukee, WI Difference
Overall Cost Index1209322.5% less
Housing1488244.6% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,100$1,05050.0% less
Median Home Price$550,000$175,00068.2% less
Groceries107988.4% less
Transportation11210010.7% less
Healthcare105986.7% less
Utilities1031002.9% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Miami, 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

Miami, FL
$65,000
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 Miami lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Miami (120) vs Milwaukee (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Miami4.0%
Milwaukee4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Miami3.0%
Milwaukee1.8%
Top Industries
MiamiTourism, Finance, Real Estate
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Miami30 min
Milwaukee24 min
Walk Score
Miami78
Milwaukee62
Air Quality (AQI)
Miami35
Milwaukee40
Avg Temperature
Miami77°F
Milwaukee47°F
Population
Miami449,514
Milwaukee577,222

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Miami 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 Miami 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 44.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Miami vs Milwaukee?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,100/month in Miami and $1,050/month in Milwaukee — a difference of about $1,050 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Miami 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 Miami to Milwaukee?+
Median household income in Miami is $65,000 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 Miami vs Milwaukee?+
The median home price in Miami is $550,000 versus $175,000 in Milwaukee — a difference of $375,000. Property tax rates also differ: Florida averages 0.80% while Wisconsin averages 1.51%.