Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Milwaukee is 15% cheaper than Dearborn.

$1,033/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↑ 22%
$51,888/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↑ 26%
$172,000 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$205,900 ↑ 20%
$1,082/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↑ 9%
569,756
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $231/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $2,772/year.

Median household income is $13,304/year higher in Dearborn. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Dearborn?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $231/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Dearborn?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $13,304/year higher in Dearborn.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Michigan?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Dearborn details →

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