Cost of Living in Milwaukee, WI
Population 569,756 · Wisconsin · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
With a population over half a million, Milwaukee functions as the economic anchor for a much larger metropolitan region. Around 23% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Milwaukee
The median home value in Milwaukee is $172,000 — 44% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,033/month, 21% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $51,888/year is 30% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. Wisconsin's top state income tax rate is 7.7% and the combined sales tax is 5.4%. The climate averages highs of 57.4°F and lows of 41.3°F, with about 48.7" of annual snowfall. Overall, Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 65 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 35% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 31 | 34 | 44 | 55 | 67 | 77 | 82 | 80 | 74 | 61 | 48 | 36 |
| Low °F | 17 | 20 | 29 | 38 | 48 | 58 | 65 | 64 | 56 | 45 | 33 | 23 |
| Precip" | 1.79 | 1.69 | 2.20 | 3.86 | 3.54 | 4.38 | 3.40 | 3.65 | 3.16 | 2.78 | 2.24 | 1.88 |
| Snow" | 14.9 | 11.8 | 6.7 | 2.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 2.5 | 10.4 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Milwaukee, WI?
Milwaukee has a cost index of 65 (100 = national average). It is 35% below the national average.
What is average rent in Milwaukee, WI?
The median gross rent in Milwaukee is $1,033 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Milwaukee?
The median home value in Milwaukee is $172,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Milwaukee?
The median household income in Milwaukee is $51,888 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Milwaukee, WI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Milwaukee is 5.4%. The Wisconsin state income tax top rate is 7.7%.
Is Milwaukee, WI affordable?
Yes, Milwaukee is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 65 — about 35% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Milwaukee?
Milwaukee has average high temperatures of 57.4°F and average lows of 41.3°F. Annual precipitation is 34.6". Average annual snowfall is 48.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Milwaukee at a Glance
- Population
- 569,756
- Median Income
- $51,888
- Home Value
- $172,000
- Median Rent
- $1,033/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 57.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.4%
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