Home › Compare › Milwaukee, WI vs Tucson, AZ

Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Tucson, AZ

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

2.2% Tucson, AZ is cheaper overall
2.4% 2.4% more expensive 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% more
Milwaukee
82
Tucson
84
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Milwaukee
98
Tucson
96
🚗 Transportation 4.0% cheaper
Milwaukee
100
Tucson
96
🏥 Healthcare 6.1% cheaper
Milwaukee
98
Tucson
92
⚡ Utilities 4.0% more
Milwaukee
100
Tucson
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Milwaukee, WI Tucson, AZ Difference
Overall Cost Index93912.2% less
Housing82842.4% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,0004.8% less
Median Home Price$175,000$270,00054.3% more
Groceries9896~Same
Transportation100964.0% less
Healthcare98926.1% less
Utilities1001044.0% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Milwaukee, WI Tucson, 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
Tucson, AZ
$52,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Tucson costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Milwaukee (93) vs Tucson (91). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Milwaukee4.2%
Tucson4.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Milwaukee1.8%
Tucson2.1%
Top Industries
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance
TucsonDefense, Education, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Milwaukee24 min
Tucson23 min
Walk Score
Milwaukee62
Tucson41
Air Quality (AQI)
Milwaukee40
Tucson48
Avg Temperature
Milwaukee47°F
Tucson70°F
Population
Milwaukee577,222
Tucson542,629

Moving from Milwaukee to Tucson?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Milwaukee or Tucson cheaper to live in?+
Tucson 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 Tucson?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in Milwaukee and $1,000/month in Tucson — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Milwaukee or Tucson?+
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 Tucson?+
Median household income in Milwaukee is $55,000 compared to $52,000 in Tucson. 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 Tucson?+
The median home price in Milwaukee is $175,000 versus $270,000 in Tucson — a difference of $95,000. Property tax rates also differ: Wisconsin averages 1.51% while Arizona averages 0.51%.