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Cost of Living: Seattle, WA 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.

25.0% Milwaukee, WI is cheaper overall
47.4% 47.4% cheaper housing
9.3% 9.3% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 47.4% cheaper
Seattle
156
Milwaukee
82
🛒 Groceries 9.3% cheaper
Seattle
108
Milwaukee
98
🚗 Transportation 15.3% cheaper
Seattle
118
Milwaukee
100
🏥 Healthcare 10.9% cheaper
Seattle
110
Milwaukee
98
⚡ Utilities 9.9% more
Seattle
91
Milwaukee
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Seattle, WA Milwaukee, WI Difference
Overall Cost Index1249325.0% less
Housing1568247.4% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,050$1,05048.8% less
Median Home Price$780,000$175,00077.6% less
Groceries108989.3% less
Transportation11810015.3% less
Healthcare1109810.9% less
Utilities911009.9% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Seattle, WA Milwaukee, WI
State Income TaxNone (0%)7.65% (top)
State Sales Tax6.50%5.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.84%1.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Seattle, WA
$110,000
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 Seattle lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Seattle (124) vs Milwaukee (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Seattle3.4%
Milwaukee4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Seattle3.8%
Milwaukee1.8%
Top Industries
SeattleTech, Aerospace, Retail
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Seattle30 min
Milwaukee24 min
Walk Score
Seattle73
Milwaukee62
Air Quality (AQI)
Seattle40
Milwaukee40
Avg Temperature
Seattle52°F
Milwaukee47°F
Population
Seattle749,256
Milwaukee577,222

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Seattle 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 Seattle 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 47.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Seattle vs Milwaukee?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,050/month in Seattle and $1,050/month in Milwaukee — a difference of about $1,000 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Seattle or Milwaukee?+
Washington has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.50%. 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 Seattle to Milwaukee?+
Median household income in Seattle is $110,000 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 Seattle vs Milwaukee?+
The median home price in Seattle is $780,000 versus $175,000 in Milwaukee — a difference of $605,000. Property tax rates also differ: Washington averages 0.84% while Wisconsin averages 1.51%.