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Cost of Living: Portland, OR 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.

18.4% Milwaukee, WI is cheaper overall
40.6% 40.6% cheaper housing
4.9% 4.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 40.6% cheaper
Portland
138
Milwaukee
82
🛒 Groceries 4.9% cheaper
Portland
103
Milwaukee
98
🚗 Transportation 7.4% cheaper
Portland
108
Milwaukee
100
🏥 Healthcare 8.4% cheaper
Portland
107
Milwaukee
98
⚡ Utilities 13.6% more
Portland
88
Milwaukee
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Portland, OR Milwaukee, WI Difference
Overall Cost Index1149318.4% less
Housing1388240.6% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,550$1,05032.3% less
Median Home Price$485,000$175,00063.9% less
Groceries103984.9% less
Transportation1081007.4% less
Healthcare107988.4% less
Utilities8810013.6% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Portland, OR Milwaukee, WI
State Income Tax8.75% (top)7.65% (top)
State Sales TaxNone (0%)5.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.82%1.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Portland, OR
$79,000
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 Portland lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Portland (114) vs Milwaukee (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Portland4.3%
Milwaukee4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Portland2.2%
Milwaukee1.8%
Top Industries
PortlandTech, Manufacturing, Creative
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Portland27 min
Milwaukee24 min
Walk Score
Portland65
Milwaukee62
Air Quality (AQI)
Portland42
Milwaukee40
Avg Temperature
Portland54°F
Milwaukee47°F
Population
Portland652,503
Milwaukee577,222

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Portland 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 Portland 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 40.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Portland vs Milwaukee?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,550/month in Portland and $1,050/month in Milwaukee — a difference of about $500 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Portland or Milwaukee?+
Oregon has a state income tax of 8.75% (top) and sales tax of None (0%). 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 Portland to Milwaukee?+
Median household income in Portland is $79,000 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 Portland vs Milwaukee?+
The median home price in Portland is $485,000 versus $175,000 in Milwaukee — a difference of $310,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oregon averages 0.82% while Wisconsin averages 1.51%.