Median rent is 30% lower in Milwaukee ($1,033/mo vs $1,483/mo). Buying is cheaper in Milwaukee, where the median home runs $172,000 versus $576,500. Households earn more in Chapel Hill ($85,825 vs $51,888 a year). Taken together, Chapel Hill is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 95.1 against 95.1 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Chapel Hill, NC.
City A
Chapel Hill, NC
City B
Milwaukee, WI
How much would you need to earn in Milwaukee, WI to maintain your standard of living from Chapel Hill, NC?
Equivalent salary in Milwaukee, WI
$75,031
You'd need $31 more (0% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Chapel Hill
North Carolina
Milwaukee
Wisconsin
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Milwaukee — median rent of $1,033/mo versus $1,483/mo in Chapel Hill, a 30% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Chapel Hill: the median home is $576,500 versus $172,000 in Milwaukee — 70% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
North Carolina's top income tax rate is 4.50% versus 7.65% in Wisconsin, so Chapel Hill is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.75% in North Carolina and 5.00% in Wisconsin; Chapel Hill has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chapel Hill
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Milwaukee
Income tax: 7.65%
Sales tax: 5.00%
Air quality data is available for Milwaukee (avg AQI 6.0) but not yet for Chapel Hill.
Pick Chapel Hill if you prioritize higher median household income ($85,825/yr).
Pick Milwaukee if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,033/mo median).
Pick Chapel Hill if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.50%).
Is Chapel Hill cheaper than Milwaukee?
Chapel Hill is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 95.1 versus 95.1 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Chapel Hill.
How much is rent in Chapel Hill vs Milwaukee?
Median rent is $1,483/mo in Chapel Hill, NC and $1,033/mo in Milwaukee, WI. Milwaukee, WI has the lower rent by about 30%.
Which has higher salaries — Chapel Hill or Milwaukee?
Median household income is $85,825 in Chapel Hill, NC and $51,888 in Milwaukee, WI. Chapel Hill, NC has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Chapel Hill or Milwaukee?
North Carolina's top income tax rate is 4.50% and Wisconsin's is 7.65%. Chapel Hill, NC has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Milwaukee to match my Chapel Hill income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chapel Hill, NC is equivalent to roughly $100,041 in Milwaukee, WI (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology