Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Milwaukee is 56% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,033/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 74%
$51,888/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 119%
$172,000 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 249%
$1,082/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 80%
569,756
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $769/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $9,228/year.

Median household income is $61,508/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Arvada — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Arvada?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $769/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Arvada?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $61,508/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Colorado?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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