Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Milwaukee, WI (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67

Denver is 119% more expensive than Milwaukee.

$1,770/mo ↑ 71%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 42%
$91,681/yr ↑ 77%
Median Income
$51,888/yr ↓ 43%
$586,700 ↑ 241%
Home Value
$172,000 ↓ 71%
$1,839/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$1,082/mo ↓ 41%
713,734
Population
569,756

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
7.65%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Milwaukee, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $737/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $8,844/year.

Median household income is $39,793/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $172,000 in Milwaukee.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Milwaukee — common questions

Is Denver or Milwaukee cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Milwaukee?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Milwaukee it's $1,033/month — a difference of $737/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Milwaukee?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $51,888 in Milwaukee. Median household income is $39,793/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Wisconsin?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Milwaukee?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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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