What is the cost of living in Milwaukee?

The cost of living in Milwaukee is 50.3% cheaper than New York City (index: 49.7). Groceries are 25.6% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 26.9% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately USD 1,726 per month. Local purchasing power index is 136.3 (NYC = 100).

🇺🇸 WI, United States · #151 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Milwaukee?

Q: Should I move to Milwaukee?

Milwaukee, WI, United States has a cost of living 50.3% cheaper than New York City (index: 49.7). It is ranked #151 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is very strong (index: 136.3 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

50.3% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is very strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-50.3%

vs NYC

USD 1,726

1-BR, city centre

136.3

Purchasing Power

Very strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from March – October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Milwaukee?

Cost breakdown: Milwaukee

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

49.7 Expensive

Rent

34.5 Very affordable

Groceries

74.4 Moderate

Restaurants

73.1 Moderate

Purchasing Power

136.3 Very strong

Rent in Milwaukee

1-BR, city centre USD 1,726/mo

1-BR, outside centre USD 1,168/mo

3-BR, city centre USD 2,785/mo

3-BR, outside centre USD 1,830/mo

Save by going outside centre 32% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇺🇸 Madison

WI, United States

CoL index 58.6

Compare Madison vs Milwaukee →

Ready to run the numbers?

Enter your salary and current city. Get exact take-home pay in Milwaukee after tax, in seconds.

Compare salaries → Full cost of living data

Relocation Toolkit

Trusted services for your move

Health insurance for living abroad

Nomad Insurance by SafetyWing: medical cover designed for people working and living outside their home country. Flexible monthly subscription, cancel any time.

Get covered with SafetyWing

Secure your connection in your new city

NordVPN keeps your data safe on public Wi-Fi, lets you access content from home, and is a must-have for remote workers abroad.

Get NordVPN

We may earn a commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.