Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Milwaukee, WI (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67

Columbus is 24% more expensive than Milwaukee.

$1,224/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 16%
$65,327/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$51,888/yr ↓ 21%
$234,500 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$172,000 ↓ 27%
$1,243/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,082/mo ↓ 13%
906,480
Population
569,756

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
7.65%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Milwaukee, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $191/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $2,292/year.

Median household income is $13,439/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $172,000 in Milwaukee.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Milwaukee — common questions

Is Columbus or Milwaukee cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Milwaukee?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Milwaukee it's $1,033/month — a difference of $191/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Milwaukee?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $51,888 in Milwaukee. Median household income is $13,439/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Wisconsin?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Milwaukee?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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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