Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Atlanta, GA (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Atlanta

Georgia
122

Milwaukee is 45% cheaper than Atlanta.

$1,033/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,617/mo ↑ 57%
$51,888/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$81,938/yr ↑ 58%
$172,000 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$420,600 ↑ 145%
$1,082/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,695/mo ↑ 57%
569,756
Population
499,287

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Atlanta, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $584/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $7,008/year.

Median household income is $30,050/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $420,600 in Atlanta.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Atlanta slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Atlanta — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Atlanta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Atlanta?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Atlanta it's $1,617/month — a difference of $584/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Atlanta?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $81,938 in Atlanta. Median household income is $30,050/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Georgia?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Atlanta?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,617/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Atlanta details →

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