Median rent is 46% lower in Milwaukee ($1,059/mo vs $1,954/mo). Buying is cheaper in Milwaukee, where the median home runs $184,000 versus $737,100. Households earn more in Washington ($109,870 vs $54,234 a year). Taken together, Milwaukee is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 95.7 against 109.5 — about 13% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Washington, DC.
Cost of living verdict
Milwaukee is 13% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 95.7 in Milwaukee vs 109.5 in Washington (US national average = 100)
City A
Milwaukee, WI
City B
Washington, DC
How much would you need to earn in Washington, DC to maintain your standard of living from Milwaukee, WI?
Equivalent salary in Washington, DC
$85,874
You'd need $10,874 more (14% higher).
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
Washington
District of Columbia
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Milwaukee — median rent of $1,059/mo versus $1,954/mo in Washington, a 46% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Washington: the median home is $737,100 versus $184,000 in Milwaukee — 75% 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
Washington
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Milwaukee has cleaner air on average: 22.0 AQI (Good) compared to 24.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Milwaukee if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 95.7 vs 109.5).
Pick Washington if you prioritize higher median household income ($109,870/yr).
Pick Milwaukee if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,059/mo median).
Is Milwaukee cheaper than Washington?
Milwaukee is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 95.7 versus 109.5 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 13% lower in Milwaukee.
How much is rent in Milwaukee vs Washington?
Median rent is $1,059/mo in Milwaukee, WI and $1,954/mo in Washington, DC. Milwaukee, WI has the lower rent by about 46%.
Which has higher salaries — Milwaukee or Washington?
Median household income is $54,234 in Milwaukee, WI and $109,870 in Washington, DC. Washington, DC 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 24.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Milwaukee or Washington?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Washington to match my Milwaukee income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Milwaukee, WI is equivalent to roughly $114,498 in Washington, DC (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
