Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Milwaukee, WI (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67

Boston is 163% more expensive than Milwaukee.

$2,093/mo ↑ 103%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 51%
$94,755/yr ↑ 83%
Median Income
$51,888/yr ↓ 45%
$710,400 ↑ 313%
Home Value
$172,000 ↓ 76%
$2,176/mo ↑ 101%
Owner Costs
$1,082/mo ↓ 50%
663,972
Population
569,756

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
7.65%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Milwaukee, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,060/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $12,720/year.

Median household income is $42,867/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $172,000 in Milwaukee.

Wisconsin has a lower income tax rate, making Milwaukee slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Milwaukee — common questions

Is Boston or Milwaukee cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Milwaukee?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Milwaukee it's $1,033/month — a difference of $1,060/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Milwaukee?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $51,888 in Milwaukee. Median household income is $42,867/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Wisconsin?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Milwaukee?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,033/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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