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Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA 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.

13.9% Milwaukee, WI is cheaper overall
25.5% 25.5% cheaper housing
7.5% 7.5% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 25.5% cheaper
Philadelphia
110
Milwaukee
82
🛒 Groceries 7.5% cheaper
Philadelphia
106
Milwaukee
98
🚗 Transportation 10.7% cheaper
Philadelphia
112
Milwaukee
100
🏥 Healthcare 6.7% cheaper
Philadelphia
105
Milwaukee
98
⚡ Utilities 7.4% cheaper
Philadelphia
108
Milwaukee
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Philadelphia, PA Milwaukee, WI Difference
Overall Cost Index1089313.9% less
Housing1108225.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,500$1,05030.0% less
Median Home Price$280,000$175,00037.5% less
Groceries106987.5% less
Transportation11210010.7% less
Healthcare105986.7% less
Utilities1081007.4% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Philadelphia, PA Milwaukee, WI
State Income Tax3.07%7.65% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%5.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.36%1.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

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

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Philadelphia (108) vs Milwaukee (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Philadelphia4.9%
Milwaukee4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Philadelphia1.8%
Milwaukee1.8%
Top Industries
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Philadelphia34 min
Milwaukee24 min
Walk Score
Philadelphia79
Milwaukee62
Air Quality (AQI)
Philadelphia46
Milwaukee40
Avg Temperature
Philadelphia56°F
Milwaukee47°F
Population
Philadelphia1,603,797
Milwaukee577,222

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 25.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Philadelphia vs Milwaukee?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,500/month in Philadelphia and $1,050/month in Milwaukee — a difference of about $450 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Philadelphia or Milwaukee?+
Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Philadelphia to Milwaukee?+
Median household income in Philadelphia is $62,000 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 Philadelphia vs Milwaukee?+
The median home price in Philadelphia is $280,000 versus $175,000 in Milwaukee — a difference of $105,000. Property tax rates also differ: Pennsylvania averages 1.36% while Wisconsin averages 1.51%.