Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Milwaukee, WI (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67

Indianapolis is 10% more expensive than Milwaukee.

$1,112/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 7%
$62,995/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$51,888/yr ↓ 18%
$207,000 ↑ 20%
Home Value
$172,000 ↓ 17%
$1,124/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,082/mo ↓ 4%
882,043
Population
569,756

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
7.65%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Milwaukee, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $79/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $948/year.

Median household income is $11,107/year higher in Indianapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $172,000 in Milwaukee.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Indianapolis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Milwaukee — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Milwaukee cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Milwaukee?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Milwaukee it's $1,033/month — a difference of $79/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Milwaukee?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $51,888 in Milwaukee. Median household income is $11,107/year higher in Indianapolis.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Wisconsin?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Milwaukee?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/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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