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Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC 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.

5.1% Milwaukee, WI is cheaper overall
21.2% 21.2% cheaper housing
1.0% 1.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 21.2% cheaper
Raleigh
104
Milwaukee
82
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Raleigh
97
Milwaukee
98
🚗 Transportation 4.2% more
Raleigh
96
Milwaukee
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Raleigh
100
Milwaukee
98
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Raleigh
98
Milwaukee
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Raleigh, NC Milwaukee, WI Difference
Overall Cost Index98935.1% less
Housing1048221.2% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,05022.2% less
Median Home Price$385,000$175,00054.5% less
Groceries9798~Same
Transportation961004.2% more
Healthcare10098~Same
Utilities98100~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Raleigh, NC Milwaukee, WI
State Income Tax4.50%7.65% (top)
State Sales Tax4.75%5.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.70%1.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Raleigh, NC
$78,000
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 Raleigh lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Raleigh (98) vs Milwaukee (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Raleigh3.1%
Milwaukee4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Raleigh3.9%
Milwaukee1.8%
Top Industries
RaleighTech, Biotech, Education
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Raleigh24 min
Milwaukee24 min
Walk Score
Raleigh30
Milwaukee62
Air Quality (AQI)
Raleigh35
Milwaukee40
Avg Temperature
Raleigh60°F
Milwaukee47°F
Population
Raleigh469,698
Milwaukee577,222

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Raleigh 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 Raleigh 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 21.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Raleigh vs Milwaukee?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Raleigh and $1,050/month in Milwaukee — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Raleigh or Milwaukee?+
North Carolina has a state income tax of 4.50% and sales tax of 4.75%. 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 Raleigh to Milwaukee?+
Median household income in Raleigh is $78,000 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 Raleigh vs Milwaukee?+
The median home price in Raleigh is $385,000 versus $175,000 in Milwaukee — a difference of $210,000. Property tax rates also differ: North Carolina averages 0.70% while Wisconsin averages 1.51%.