Chicago, IL vs Milwaukee, WI
Cost of living comparison · 2023 Census ACS data
Quick Summary
The headline difference between these two markets is housing: a typical home in Milwaukee runs $172,000 versus $315,000 in Chicago, a 45% gap that dominates most relocation math.
Median Home Value
$315,200
$172,000 ✓
Zillow Home Value
$312,456
$216,277
Median Gross Rent
$1,380/mo
$1,033/mo ✓
Owner Occupied %
45.5%
41.5%
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.0x
13.9x
Median Household Income
$75,134 ✓
$51,888
Per Capita Income
$48,148
$29,679
Unemployment Rate
7.9%
5.9% ✓
Poverty Rate
16.8%
23.3%
Avg Commute (min)
36.7 min
24.2 min
Drove Alone %
46.0%
67.8%
Public Transit %
19.3%
5.4%
Work From Home %
18.3%
11.3%
State Income Tax
5.0%
7.7%
Total Sales Tax
8.7%
5.4% ✓
Property Tax Rate
2.2%
1.7%
Bachelor's Degree %
24.9%
17.2%
Median Age
35.7
32.2
Avg High Temp
60.3°F
57.4°F
Annual Precipitation
34.4"
34.6"
Annual Snowfall
—
48.7"
Chicago, IL 1 wins
- ✓Median Household Income
Milwaukee, WI 4 wins
- ✓Median Home Value
- ✓Median Gross Rent
- ✓Total Sales Tax
- ✓Unemployment Rate
Thinking about moving? See what salary you'd need in each city.
Open Cost of Living Calculator →