Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Milwaukee is 61% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,033/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 97%
$51,888/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 119%
$172,000 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 305%
$1,082/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 101%
569,756
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $998/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $11,976/year.

Median household income is $61,750/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Alexandria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Alexandria?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $998/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Alexandria?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $61,750/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Virginia?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Alexandria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Milwaukee and Alexandria

Milwaukee vs. Baltimore Milwaukee vs. Albuquerque Milwaukee vs. Louisville Milwaukee vs. Fresno Milwaukee vs. Memphis Milwaukee vs. Tucson Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen