Home › Compare › Milwaukee, WI vs Cincinnati, OH

Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Cincinnati, OH

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

1.1% Cincinnati, OH is cheaper overall
2.4% 2.4% 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 2.4% cheaper
Milwaukee
82
Cincinnati
80
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Milwaukee
98
Cincinnati
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Milwaukee
100
Cincinnati
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Milwaukee
98
Cincinnati
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Milwaukee
100
Cincinnati
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Milwaukee, WI Cincinnati, OH Difference
Overall Cost Index9392~Same
Housing82802.4% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,050~Same
Median Home Price$175,000$215,00022.9% more
Groceries9896~Same
Transportation100100~Same
Healthcare9896~Same
Utilities10098~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Milwaukee, WI Cincinnati, OH
State Income Tax7.65% (top)3.50% (top)
State Sales Tax5.00%5.75%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.51%1.41%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Milwaukee, WI
$55,000
Median household income
Cincinnati, OH
$58,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Cincinnati outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

→
$—

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

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Milwaukee4.2%
Cincinnati3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Milwaukee1.8%
Cincinnati2.4%
Top Industries
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance
CincinnatiManufacturing, Finance, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Milwaukee24 min
Cincinnati24 min
Walk Score
Milwaukee62
Cincinnati50
Air Quality (AQI)
Milwaukee40
Cincinnati44
Avg Temperature
Milwaukee47°F
Cincinnati54°F
Population
Milwaukee577,222
Cincinnati309,317

Moving from Milwaukee to Cincinnati?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Milwaukee and Cincinnati → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Cincinnati →

Compare Other Cities

Milwaukee vs Austin → Milwaukee vs Denver → Milwaukee vs Nashville → Cincinnati vs Raleigh → Cincinnati vs Portland → Cincinnati vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Milwaukee or Cincinnati cheaper to live in?+
Cincinnati is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 2.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Milwaukee vs Cincinnati?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in Milwaukee and $1,050/month in Cincinnati — a difference of about $0 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Milwaukee or Cincinnati?+
Wisconsin has a state income tax of 7.65% (top) and sales tax of 5.00%. Ohio has a state income tax of 3.50% (top) and sales tax of 5.75%. 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 Milwaukee to Cincinnati?+
Median household income in Milwaukee is $55,000 compared to $58,000 in Cincinnati. 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 Milwaukee vs Cincinnati?+
The median home price in Milwaukee is $175,000 versus $215,000 in Cincinnati — a difference of $40,000. Property tax rates also differ: Wisconsin averages 1.51% while Ohio averages 1.41%.