Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Milwaukee is 36% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,033/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 49%
$51,888/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 24%
$172,000 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 90%
$1,082/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 30%
569,756
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $506/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $6,072/year.

Median household income is $12,552/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Clearwater?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $506/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Clearwater?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $12,552/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Florida?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Clearwater details →

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