Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Albuquerque, NM (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin

Albuquerque

New Mexico

Milwaukee is 13% cheaper than Albuquerque.

$1,033/mo ↓ 5%

Median Rent

$1,085/mo ↑ 5%

$51,888/yr ↓ 21%

Median Income

$65,604/yr ↑ 26%

$172,000 ↓ 36%

Home Value

$266,700 ↑ 55%

$1,082/mo ↓ 6%

Owner Costs

$1,149/mo ↑ 6%

569,756

Population

562,488

Tax Comparison

7.65%

Income Tax

5.9%

5.0%

Sales Tax

5.0%

1.61%

Property Tax

0.67%

Affordability

23.9%

rent-to-income

Affordability

19.8%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Albuquerque, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $52/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $624/year.

Median household income is $13,716/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $266,700 in Albuquerque.

New Mexico has a lower income tax rate, making Albuquerque slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Albuquerque — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Albuquerque cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 80 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Albuquerque?

Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Albuquerque it's $1,085/month — a difference of $52/month.

Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Albuquerque?

Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $65,604 in Albuquerque. Median household income is $13,716/year higher in Albuquerque.

How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and New Mexico?

Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.

Should I move to Milwaukee or Albuquerque?

It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,085/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.