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Cost of Living: Washington, DC 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.

28.5% Milwaukee, WI is cheaper overall
49.4% 49.4% 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 49.4% cheaper
Washington
162
Milwaukee
82
🛒 Groceries 9.3% cheaper
Washington
108
Milwaukee
98
🚗 Transportation 18.0% cheaper
Washington
122
Milwaukee
100
🏥 Healthcare 10.9% cheaper
Washington
110
Milwaukee
98
⚡ Utilities 4.8% cheaper
Washington
105
Milwaukee
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Washington, DC Milwaukee, WI Difference
Overall Cost Index1309328.5% less
Housing1628249.4% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,200$1,05052.3% less
Median Home Price$620,000$175,00071.8% less
Groceries108989.3% less
Transportation12210018.0% less
Healthcare1109810.9% less
Utilities1051004.8% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Washington, DC Milwaukee, WI
State Income Tax10.75% (top)7.65% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%5.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%1.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Washington, DC
$105,000
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 Washington lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Washington (130) vs Milwaukee (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Washington4.2%
Milwaukee4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Washington2.4%
Milwaukee1.8%
Top Industries
WashingtonGovernment, Defense, Consulting
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Washington34 min
Milwaukee24 min
Walk Score
Washington77
Milwaukee62
Air Quality (AQI)
Washington42
Milwaukee40
Avg Temperature
Washington57°F
Milwaukee47°F
Population
Washington689,545
Milwaukee577,222

Moving from Washington to Milwaukee?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Washington 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 Washington 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 49.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Washington vs Milwaukee?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,200/month in Washington and $1,050/month in Milwaukee — a difference of about $1,150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Washington or Milwaukee?+
District of Columbia has a state income tax of 10.75% (top) 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 Washington to Milwaukee?+
Median household income in Washington is $105,000 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 Washington vs Milwaukee?+
The median home price in Washington is $620,000 versus $175,000 in Milwaukee — a difference of $445,000. Property tax rates also differ: District of Columbia averages 0.56% while Wisconsin averages 1.51%.