Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Milwaukee is 72% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,033/mo ↓ 62%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 165%
$51,888/yr ↓ 59%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 144%
$172,000 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 505%
$1,082/mo ↓ 59%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 143%
569,756
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,709/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $20,508/year.

Median household income is $74,581/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Wisconsin has a lower income tax rate, making Milwaukee slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Cambridge?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,709/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Cambridge?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $74,581/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Massachusetts?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Cambridge details →

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