Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Cary, NC (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Milwaukee is 50% cheaper than Cary.

$1,033/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 57%
$51,888/yr ↓ 60%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 149%
$172,000 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 205%
$1,082/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 61%
569,756
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $588/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $7,056/year.

Median household income is $77,511/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Cary — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Cary?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $588/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Cary?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $77,511/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and North Carolina?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Cary details →

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