Home › Compare › Oklahoma City, OK vs Milwaukee, WI

Cost of Living: Oklahoma City, OK 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.

5.7% Milwaukee, WI is more expensive overall
7.9% 7.9% more expensive housing
5.4% 5.4% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 7.9% more
Oklahoma City
76
Milwaukee
82
🛒 Groceries 5.4% more
Oklahoma City
93
Milwaukee
98
🚗 Transportation 4.2% more
Oklahoma City
96
Milwaukee
100
🏥 Healthcare 6.5% more
Oklahoma City
92
Milwaukee
98
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Oklahoma City
100
Milwaukee
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Oklahoma City, OK Milwaukee, WI Difference
Overall Cost Index88935.7% more
Housing76827.9% more
Median 1BR Rent$950$1,05010.5% more
Median Home Price$210,000$175,00016.7% less
Groceries93985.4% more
Transportation961004.2% more
Healthcare92986.5% more
Utilities100100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Oklahoma City, OK Milwaukee, WI
State Income Tax4.75%7.65% (top)
State Sales Tax4.50%5.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.85%1.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Oklahoma City, OK
$58,000
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 Oklahoma City lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Oklahoma City (88) vs Milwaukee (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Oklahoma City3.5%
Milwaukee4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Oklahoma City2.4%
Milwaukee1.8%
Top Industries
Oklahoma CityEnergy, Aerospace, Agriculture
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Oklahoma City22 min
Milwaukee24 min
Walk Score
Oklahoma City32
Milwaukee62
Air Quality (AQI)
Oklahoma City44
Milwaukee40
Avg Temperature
Oklahoma City60°F
Milwaukee47°F
Population
Oklahoma City681,054
Milwaukee577,222

Moving from Oklahoma City to Milwaukee?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City or Milwaukee cheaper to live in?+
Oklahoma City is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 7.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Oklahoma City vs Milwaukee?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $950/month in Oklahoma City and $1,050/month in Milwaukee — a difference of about $100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Oklahoma City or Milwaukee?+
Oklahoma has a state income tax of 4.75% and sales tax of 4.50%. 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 Oklahoma City to Milwaukee?+
Median household income in Oklahoma City is $58,000 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 Oklahoma City vs Milwaukee?+
The median home price in Oklahoma City is $210,000 versus $175,000 in Milwaukee — a difference of $35,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oklahoma averages 0.85% while Wisconsin averages 1.51%.