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Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Colorado Springs, CO

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

8.6% Colorado Springs, CO is more expensive overall
34.1% 34.1% more expensive housing
0.0% 0.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 34.1% more
Milwaukee
82
Colorado Springs
110
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Milwaukee
98
Colorado Springs
98
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Milwaukee
100
Colorado Springs
98
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Milwaukee
98
Colorado Springs
100
⚡ Utilities 8.0% cheaper
Milwaukee
100
Colorado Springs
92

Detailed Breakdown

Category Milwaukee, WI Colorado Springs, CO Difference
Overall Cost Index931018.6% more
Housing8211034.1% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,35028.6% more
Median Home Price$175,000$400,000128.6% more
Groceries9898~Same
Transportation10098~Same
Healthcare98100~Same
Utilities100928.0% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Milwaukee, WI Colorado Springs, CO
State Income Tax7.65% (top)4.40%
State Sales Tax5.00%2.90%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.51%0.49%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Milwaukee, WI
$55,000
Median household income
Colorado Springs, CO
$72,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Colorado Springs outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Milwaukee (93) vs Colorado Springs (101). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Milwaukee4.2%
Colorado Springs3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Milwaukee1.8%
Colorado Springs3.1%
Top Industries
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance
Colorado SpringsMilitary, Tech, Tourism

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Milwaukee24 min
Colorado Springs24 min
Walk Score
Milwaukee62
Colorado Springs34
Air Quality (AQI)
Milwaukee40
Colorado Springs40
Avg Temperature
Milwaukee47°F
Colorado Springs49°F
Population
Milwaukee577,222
Colorado Springs478,961

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Milwaukee or Colorado Springs cheaper to live in?+
Milwaukee is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 34.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Milwaukee vs Colorado Springs?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in Milwaukee and $1,350/month in Colorado Springs — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Milwaukee or Colorado Springs?+
Wisconsin has a state income tax of 7.65% (top) and sales tax of 5.00%. Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. 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 Colorado Springs?+
Median household income in Milwaukee is $55,000 compared to $72,000 in Colorado Springs. 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 Colorado Springs?+
The median home price in Milwaukee is $175,000 versus $400,000 in Colorado Springs — a difference of $225,000. Property tax rates also differ: Wisconsin averages 1.51% while Colorado averages 0.49%.