Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Milwaukee is 73% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,033/mo ↓ 59%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 142%
$51,888/yr ↓ 68%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 211%
$172,000 ↓ 86%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 599%
$1,082/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 139%
569,756
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,472/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $17,664/year.

Median household income is $109,412/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Bellevue residents a significant tax advantage over Wisconsin's 7.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Bellevue?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,472/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Bellevue?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $109,412/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Washington?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Bellevue details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Milwaukee and Bellevue

Milwaukee vs. Baltimore Milwaukee vs. Albuquerque Milwaukee vs. Louisville Milwaukee vs. Fresno Milwaukee vs. Memphis Milwaukee vs. Tucson Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet