Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Milwaukee, WI (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67

Louisville is 7% more expensive than Milwaukee.

$1,069/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 3%
$64,731/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$51,888/yr ↓ 20%
$221,500 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$172,000 ↓ 22%
$1,118/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,082/mo ↓ 3%
627,210
Population
569,756

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
7.65%
6.0%
Sales Tax
5.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Milwaukee, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $12,843/year higher in Louisville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $172,000 in Milwaukee.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Louisville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Milwaukee — common questions

Is Louisville 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 Louisville and Milwaukee?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Milwaukee it's $1,033/month — a difference of $36/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Milwaukee?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $51,888 in Milwaukee. Median household income is $12,843/year higher in Louisville.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Wisconsin?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% 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 Louisville or Milwaukee?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/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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