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Cost of Living: Nashville, TN 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.

6.1% Milwaukee, WI is cheaper overall
24.1% 24.1% cheaper housing
3.2% 3.2% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 24.1% cheaper
Nashville
108
Milwaukee
82
🛒 Groceries 3.2% more
Nashville
95
Milwaukee
98
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Nashville
99
Milwaukee
100
🏥 Healthcare 5.4% more
Nashville
93
Milwaukee
98
⚡ Utilities 3.1% more
Nashville
97
Milwaukee
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Nashville, TN Milwaukee, WI Difference
Overall Cost Index99936.1% less
Housing1088224.1% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,380$1,05023.9% less
Median Home Price$395,000$175,00055.7% less
Groceries95983.2% more
Transportation99100~Same
Healthcare93985.4% more
Utilities971003.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Nashville, TN Milwaukee, WI
State Income TaxNone (0%)7.65% (top)
State Sales Tax7.00%5.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%1.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Nashville, TN
$72,000
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 Nashville lifestyle.

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

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Nashville3.3%
Milwaukee4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Nashville3.7%
Milwaukee1.8%
Top Industries
NashvilleHealthcare, Music, Tech
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Nashville26 min
Milwaukee24 min
Walk Score
Nashville29
Milwaukee62
Air Quality (AQI)
Nashville40
Milwaukee40
Avg Temperature
Nashville59°F
Milwaukee47°F
Population
Nashville689,447
Milwaukee577,222

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Nashville 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 Nashville 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 Nashville vs Milwaukee?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,380/month in Nashville and $1,050/month in Milwaukee — a difference of about $330 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Nashville or Milwaukee?+
Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. 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 Nashville to Milwaukee?+
Median household income in Nashville is $72,000 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 Nashville vs Milwaukee?+
The median home price in Nashville is $395,000 versus $175,000 in Milwaukee — a difference of $220,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while Wisconsin averages 1.51%.