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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Milwaukee is 67% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,033/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 120%
$51,888/yr ↓ 63%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 170%
$172,000 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 403%
$1,082/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 123%
569,756
Population
235,463

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
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,242/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $14,904/year.

Median household income is $88,272/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Arlington — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Arlington?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $1,242/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Arlington?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $88,272/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Arlington details →

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