Median rent is 27% lower in Milwaukee ($1,033/mo vs $1,412/mo). Buying is cheaper in Milwaukee, where the median home runs $172,000 versus $355,300. Households earn more in Durham ($79,234 vs $51,888 a year). Taken together, Durham 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 Durham, NC.
City A
Durham, NC
City B
Milwaukee, WI
How much would you need to earn in Milwaukee, WI to maintain your standard of living from Durham, 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
Durham
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 $1,412/mo in Durham, a 27% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Durham: the median home is $355,300 versus $172,000 in Milwaukee — 52% 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 Durham is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.75% in North Carolina and 5.00% in Wisconsin; Durham has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Durham
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Milwaukee
Income tax: 7.65%
Sales tax: 5.00%
Milwaukee has cleaner air on average: 6.0 AQI (Good) compared to 55.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Durham if you prioritize higher median household income ($79,234/yr).
Pick Milwaukee if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,033/mo median).
Pick Milwaukee if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 6.0).
Pick Durham if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.50%).
Is Durham cheaper than Milwaukee?
Durham 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 Durham.
How much is rent in Durham vs Milwaukee?
Median rent is $1,412/mo in Durham, NC and $1,033/mo in Milwaukee, WI. Milwaukee, WI has the lower rent by about 27%.
Which has higher salaries — Durham or Milwaukee?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham, NC and $51,888 in Milwaukee, WI. Durham, 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?
Milwaukee, WI has better air quality on average: 6.0 AQI versus 55.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Durham or Milwaukee?
North Carolina's top income tax rate is 4.50% and Wisconsin's is 7.65%. Durham, NC has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Milwaukee to match my Durham income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Durham, 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