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Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Mesa, AZ

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

6.5% Mesa, AZ is more expensive overall
26.8% 26.8% more expensive housing
1.0% 1.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 26.8% more
Milwaukee
82
Mesa
104
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Milwaukee
98
Mesa
97
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Milwaukee
100
Mesa
100
🏥 Healthcare 4.1% cheaper
Milwaukee
98
Mesa
94
⚡ Utilities 6.0% more
Milwaukee
100
Mesa
106

Detailed Breakdown

Category Milwaukee, WI Mesa, AZ Difference
Overall Cost Index93996.5% more
Housing8210426.8% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,25019.0% more
Median Home Price$175,000$365,000108.6% more
Groceries9897~Same
Transportation100100~Same
Healthcare98944.1% less
Utilities1001066.0% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Milwaukee, WI Mesa, AZ
State Income Tax7.65% (top)2.50%
State Sales Tax5.00%5.60%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.51%0.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Milwaukee, WI
$55,000
Median household income
Mesa, AZ
$66,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Mesa outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Milwaukee (93) vs Mesa (99). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Milwaukee4.2%
Mesa3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Milwaukee1.8%
Mesa3.2%
Top Industries
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance
MesaAerospace, Tech, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Milwaukee24 min
Mesa26 min
Walk Score
Milwaukee62
Mesa32
Air Quality (AQI)
Milwaukee40
Mesa56
Avg Temperature
Milwaukee47°F
Mesa74°F
Population
Milwaukee577,222
Mesa504,258

Moving from Milwaukee to Mesa?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Milwaukee or Mesa cheaper to live in?+
Milwaukee is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 26.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Milwaukee vs Mesa?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in Milwaukee and $1,250/month in Mesa — a difference of about $200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Milwaukee or Mesa?+
Wisconsin has a state income tax of 7.65% (top) and sales tax of 5.00%. Arizona has a state income tax of 2.50% and sales tax of 5.60%. 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 Mesa?+
Median household income in Milwaukee is $55,000 compared to $66,000 in Mesa. 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 Mesa?+
The median home price in Milwaukee is $175,000 versus $365,000 in Mesa — a difference of $190,000. Property tax rates also differ: Wisconsin averages 1.51% while Arizona averages 0.51%.