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Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Milwaukee, WI

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

10.6% Milwaukee, WI is cheaper overall
24.1% 24.1% cheaper housing
3.0% 3.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 24.1% cheaper
Minneapolis
108
Milwaukee
82
🛒 Groceries 3.0% cheaper
Minneapolis
101
Milwaukee
98
🚗 Transportation 5.7% cheaper
Minneapolis
106
Milwaukee
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Minneapolis
100
Milwaukee
98
⚡ Utilities 5.3% more
Minneapolis
95
Milwaukee
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Minneapolis, MN Milwaukee, WI Difference
Overall Cost Index1049310.6% less
Housing1088224.1% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,05022.2% less
Median Home Price$330,000$175,00047.0% less
Groceries101983.0% less
Transportation1061005.7% less
Healthcare10098~Same
Utilities951005.3% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Minneapolis, MN Milwaukee, WI
State Income Tax9.85% (top)7.65% (top)
State Sales Tax6.88%5.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.02%1.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Minneapolis, MN
$76,000
Median household income
Milwaukee, WI
$55,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee to maintain your Minneapolis lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Minneapolis (104) vs Milwaukee (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Minneapolis3.2%
Milwaukee4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Minneapolis2.5%
Milwaukee1.8%
Top Industries
MinneapolisHealthcare, Finance, Retail
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Minneapolis25 min
Milwaukee24 min
Walk Score
Minneapolis69
Milwaukee62
Air Quality (AQI)
Minneapolis36
Milwaukee40
Avg Temperature
Minneapolis45°F
Milwaukee47°F
Population
Minneapolis425,336
Milwaukee577,222

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Minneapolis or Milwaukee cheaper to live in?+
Milwaukee is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 24.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Minneapolis vs Milwaukee?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Minneapolis and $1,050/month in Milwaukee — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Minneapolis or Milwaukee?+
Minnesota has a state income tax of 9.85% (top) and sales tax of 6.88%. Wisconsin has a state income tax of 7.65% (top) and sales tax of 5.00%. 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 Minneapolis to Milwaukee?+
Median household income in Minneapolis is $76,000 compared to $55,000 in Milwaukee. 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 Minneapolis vs Milwaukee?+
The median home price in Minneapolis is $330,000 versus $175,000 in Milwaukee — a difference of $155,000. Property tax rates also differ: Minnesota averages 1.02% while Wisconsin averages 1.51%.