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Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Richmond, VA

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

7.5% Richmond, VA is more expensive overall
26.8% 26.8% 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 26.8% more
Milwaukee
82
Richmond
104
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Milwaukee
98
Richmond
98
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Milwaukee
100
Richmond
98
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Milwaukee
98
Richmond
100
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Milwaukee
100
Richmond
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Milwaukee, WI Richmond, VA Difference
Overall Cost Index931007.5% more
Housing8210426.8% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,30023.8% more
Median Home Price$175,000$320,00082.9% more
Groceries9898~Same
Transportation10098~Same
Healthcare98100~Same
Utilities100100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Milwaukee, WI Richmond, VA
State Income Tax7.65% (top)5.75% (top)
State Sales Tax5.00%5.30%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.51%0.74%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Milwaukee, WI
$55,000
Median household income
Richmond, VA
$62,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Richmond outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Milwaukee (93) vs Richmond (100). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Milwaukee4.2%
Richmond3.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
Milwaukee1.8%
Richmond2.5%
Top Industries
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance
RichmondFinance, Government, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Milwaukee24 min
Richmond24 min
Walk Score
Milwaukee62
Richmond52
Air Quality (AQI)
Milwaukee40
Richmond38
Avg Temperature
Milwaukee47°F
Richmond58°F
Population
Milwaukee577,222
Richmond226,610

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Milwaukee or Richmond 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 Richmond?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in Milwaukee and $1,300/month in Richmond — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Milwaukee or Richmond?+
Wisconsin has a state income tax of 7.65% (top) and sales tax of 5.00%. Virginia has a state income tax of 5.75% (top) and sales tax of 5.30%. 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 Richmond?+
Median household income in Milwaukee is $55,000 compared to $62,000 in Richmond. 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 Richmond?+
The median home price in Milwaukee is $175,000 versus $320,000 in Richmond — a difference of $145,000. Property tax rates also differ: Wisconsin averages 1.51% while Virginia averages 0.74%.