Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Bridgeport, CT (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Bridgeport

Connecticut
94

Milwaukee is 29% cheaper than Bridgeport.

$1,033/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,405/mo ↑ 36%
$51,888/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$56,584/yr ↑ 9%
$172,000 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 47%
$1,082/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,475/mo ↑ 36%
569,756
Population
148,012

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
6.99%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.61%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Bridgeport, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 94 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $372/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $4,464/year.

Median household income is $4,696/year higher in Bridgeport. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $252,400 in Bridgeport.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Bridgeport slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Bridgeport — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Bridgeport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 94 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Bridgeport?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Bridgeport it's $1,405/month — a difference of $372/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Bridgeport?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $56,584 in Bridgeport. Median household income is $4,696/year higher in Bridgeport.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Connecticut?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Bridgeport?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Bridgeport has a cost index of 94 with rent of $1,405/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Bridgeport details →

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