Median rent is 13% lower in Milwaukee ($1,059/mo vs $1,215/mo). Buying is cheaper in Milwaukee, where the median home runs $184,000 versus $363,500. Households earn more in Spokane ($70,064 vs $54,234 a year). Taken together, Spokane is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.4 against 95.7 — about 3% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Spokane, WA.
Cost of living verdict
Spokane is 3% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 92.4 in Spokane vs 95.7 in Milwaukee (US national average = 100)
City A
Milwaukee, WI
City B
Spokane, WA
How much would you need to earn in Spokane, WA to maintain your standard of living from Milwaukee, WI?
Equivalent salary in Spokane, WA
$72,419
You could earn $2,581 less (3% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Milwaukee
Wisconsin
Spokane
Washington
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: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Milwaukee at $1,059/mo compared to $1,215/mo in Spokane (13% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Spokane: the median home is $363,500 versus $184,000 in Milwaukee — 49% 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
Spokane
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Milwaukee has cleaner air on average: 22.0 AQI (Good) compared to 52.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Spokane if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 92.4 vs 95.7).
Pick Spokane if you prioritize higher median household income ($70,064/yr).
Pick Milwaukee if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,059/mo median).
Pick Milwaukee if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 22.0).
Is Milwaukee cheaper than Spokane?
Spokane is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.4 versus 95.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 3% lower in Spokane.
How much is rent in Milwaukee vs Spokane?
Median rent is $1,059/mo in Milwaukee, WI and $1,215/mo in Spokane, WA. Milwaukee, WI has the lower rent by about 13%.
Which has higher salaries — Milwaukee or Spokane?
Median household income is $54,234 in Milwaukee, WI and $70,064 in Spokane, WA. Spokane, WA 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: 22.0 AQI versus 52.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Milwaukee or Spokane?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Spokane to match my Milwaukee income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Milwaukee, WI is equivalent to roughly $96,558 in Spokane, WA (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
