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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Aurora

Colorado
130

Milwaukee is 48% cheaper than Aurora.

$1,033/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↑ 70%
$51,888/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$84,320/yr ↑ 63%
$172,000 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$444,500 ↑ 158%
$1,082/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,762/mo ↑ 63%
569,756
Population
390,201

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
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Aurora, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $726/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $8,712/year.

Median household income is $32,432/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $444,500 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Aurora — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Aurora cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Aurora?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Aurora it's $1,759/month — a difference of $726/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Aurora?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $84,320 in Aurora. Median household income is $32,432/year higher in Aurora.
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 Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Aurora has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,759/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Aurora details →

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