Median rent is 13% lower in Milwaukee ($1,033/mo vs $1,183/mo). Buying is cheaper in Milwaukee, where the median home runs $172,000 versus $286,600. Households earn more in Waukesha ($81,651 vs $51,888 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (95.1).
City A
Milwaukee, WI
City B
Waukesha, WI
How much would you need to earn in Waukesha, WI to maintain your standard of living from Milwaukee, WI?
Equivalent salary in Waukesha, WI
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
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
Waukesha
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
Median rent is modestly lower in Milwaukee at $1,033/mo compared to $1,183/mo in Waukesha (13% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Waukesha: the median home is $286,600 versus $172,000 in Milwaukee — 40% 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 7.65% in Wisconsin, so Waukesha is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 5.00% in Wisconsin and 5.00% in Wisconsin; Waukesha has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Milwaukee
Income tax: 7.65%
Sales tax: 5.00%
Waukesha
Income tax: 7.65%
Sales tax: 5.00%
Air quality data is available for Milwaukee (avg AQI 6.0) but not yet for Waukesha.
Pick Waukesha if you prioritize higher median household income ($81,651/yr).
Pick Milwaukee if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,033/mo median).
Is Milwaukee cheaper than Waukesha?
Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee.
How much is rent in Milwaukee vs Waukesha?
Median rent is $1,033/mo in Milwaukee, WI and $1,183/mo in Waukesha, WI. Milwaukee, WI has the lower rent by about 13%.
Which has higher salaries — Milwaukee or Waukesha?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee, WI and $81,651 in Waukesha, WI. Waukesha, WI 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 Waukesha?
Wisconsin's top income tax rate is 7.65% and Wisconsin's is 7.65%. Waukesha, WI has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Waukesha to match my Milwaukee income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Milwaukee, WI is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Waukesha, 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