Median rent is 42% lower in Milwaukee ($1,033/mo vs $1,779/mo). Buying is cheaper in Milwaukee, where the median home runs $172,000 versus $751,700. Households earn more in New York ($79,713 vs $51,888 a year). Taken together, Milwaukee is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 95.1 against 113.0 — about 16% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in New York, NY.
Quick verdict
Milwaukee is 16% cheaper overall
Cost index: 95.1 in Milwaukee vs 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
Milwaukee, WI
City B
New York, NY
How much would you need to earn in New York, NY to maintain your standard of living from Milwaukee, WI?
Equivalent salary in New York, NY
$89,086
You'd need $14,086 more (19% 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
Milwaukee
Wisconsin
New York
New York
👥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 $1,779/mo in New York, a 42% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in New York: the median home is $751,700 versus $172,000 in Milwaukee — 77% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Wisconsin's top income tax rate is 7.65% versus 10.90% in New York, so Milwaukee is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 5.00% in Wisconsin and 4.00% in New York; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Milwaukee
Income tax: 7.65%
Sales tax: 5.00%
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Milwaukee has cleaner air on average: 6.0 AQI (Good) compared to 61.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Milwaukee if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 95.1 vs 113.0).
Pick New York if you prioritize higher median household income ($79,713/yr).
Pick Milwaukee if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,033/mo median).
Pick Milwaukee if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 6.0).
Is Milwaukee cheaper than New York?
Milwaukee is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 95.1 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 16% lower in Milwaukee.
How much is rent in Milwaukee vs New York?
Median rent is $1,033/mo in Milwaukee, WI and $1,779/mo in New York, NY. Milwaukee, WI has the lower rent by about 42%.
Which has higher salaries — Milwaukee or New York?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee, WI and $79,713 in New York, NY. New York, NY 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 61.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Milwaukee or New York?
Wisconsin's top income tax rate is 7.65% and New York's is 10.90%. Milwaukee, WI has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in New York to match my Milwaukee income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Milwaukee, WI is equivalent to roughly $118,781 in New York, NY (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