Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Cleveland, OH (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Cleveland

Ohio
51

Milwaukee is 31% more expensive than Cleveland.

$1,033/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$894/mo ↓ 13%
$51,888/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$39,187/yr ↓ 24%
$172,000 ↑ 83%
Home Value
$94,100 ↓ 45%
$1,082/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$866/mo ↓ 20%
569,756
Population
367,523

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
3.5%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Cleveland, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 51 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $139/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $1,668/year.

Median household income is $12,701/year higher in Milwaukee. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $94,100 in Cleveland.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cleveland slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Cleveland — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Cleveland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Cleveland?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Cleveland it's $894/month — a difference of $139/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Cleveland?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $39,187 in Cleveland. Median household income is $12,701/year higher in Milwaukee.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Ohio?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Cleveland?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with rent of $894/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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