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Cost of Living: Tampa, FL 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.

7.9% Milwaukee, WI is cheaper overall
25.5% 25.5% cheaper housing
2.0% 2.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 25.5% cheaper
Tampa
110
Milwaukee
82
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Tampa
100
Milwaukee
98
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Tampa
100
Milwaukee
100
🏥 Healthcare 3.2% more
Tampa
95
Milwaukee
98
⚡ Utilities 2.9% cheaper
Tampa
103
Milwaukee
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Tampa, FL Milwaukee, WI Difference
Overall Cost Index101937.9% less
Housing1108225.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,05027.6% less
Median Home Price$365,000$175,00052.1% less
Groceries10098~Same
Transportation100100~Same
Healthcare95983.2% more
Utilities1031002.9% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Tampa, FL Milwaukee, WI
State Income TaxNone (0%)7.65% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%5.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.80%1.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Tampa, FL
$62,000
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 Tampa lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Tampa (101) vs Milwaukee (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Tampa3.8%
Milwaukee4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Tampa3.2%
Milwaukee1.8%
Top Industries
TampaFinance, Healthcare, Tech
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Tampa27 min
Milwaukee24 min
Walk Score
Tampa49
Milwaukee62
Air Quality (AQI)
Tampa37
Milwaukee40
Avg Temperature
Tampa73°F
Milwaukee47°F
Population
Tampa393,468
Milwaukee577,222

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa vs Milwaukee?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Tampa and $1,050/month in Milwaukee — a difference of about $400 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Tampa or Milwaukee?+
Florida has a state income tax of None (0%) 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 Tampa to Milwaukee?+
Median household income in Tampa 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 Tampa vs Milwaukee?+
The median home price in Tampa is $365,000 versus $175,000 in Milwaukee — a difference of $190,000. Property tax rates also differ: Florida averages 0.80% while Wisconsin averages 1.51%.