Cost of Living: Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky, KY vs Milwaukee, WI (2026)

Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky

Kentucky
74
VS

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67

Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky 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/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky, 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/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky is $221,500 compared to $172,000 in Milwaukee.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky vs Milwaukee — common questions

Is Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky 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/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky and Milwaukee?
Median rent in Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky is $1,069/month and in Milwaukee it's $1,033/month — a difference of $36/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky or Milwaukee?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky and $51,888 in Milwaukee. Median household income is $12,843/year higher in Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky.
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/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky or Milwaukee?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky 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.
View Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance), Kentucky details → View Milwaukee details →