Median rent is 13% lower in Milwaukee ($1,059/mo vs $1,216/mo). Buying is cheaper in Milwaukee, where the median home runs $184,000 versus $355,600. Households earn more in Ogden ($72,575 vs $54,234 a year). Taken together, Milwaukee is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 95.7 against 96.1 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Ogden, UT.
City A
Milwaukee, WI
City B
Ogden, UT
How much would you need to earn in Ogden, UT to maintain your standard of living from Milwaukee, WI?
Equivalent salary in Ogden, UT
$75,358
You'd need $358 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
Milwaukee
Wisconsin
Ogden
Utah
👥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
Median rent is modestly lower in Milwaukee at $1,059/mo compared to $1,216/mo in Ogden (13% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Ogden: the median home is $355,600 versus $184,000 in Milwaukee — 48% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Milwaukee
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Ogden
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Milwaukee (avg AQI 22.0) but not yet for Ogden.
Pick Ogden if you prioritize higher median household income ($72,575/yr).
Pick Milwaukee if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,059/mo median).
Is Milwaukee cheaper than Ogden?
Milwaukee is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 95.7 versus 96.1 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Milwaukee.
How much is rent in Milwaukee vs Ogden?
Median rent is $1,059/mo in Milwaukee, WI and $1,216/mo in Ogden, UT. Milwaukee, WI has the lower rent by about 13%.
Which has higher salaries — Milwaukee or Ogden?
Median household income is $54,234 in Milwaukee, WI and $72,575 in Ogden, UT. Ogden, UT 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 — Milwaukee or Ogden?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Ogden to match my Milwaukee income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Milwaukee, WI is equivalent to roughly $100,478 in Ogden, UT (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
