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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Milwaukee is 36% cheaper than Durham.

$1,033/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↑ 37%
$51,888/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↑ 53%
$172,000 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$355,300 ↑ 107%
$1,082/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↑ 33%
569,756
Population
288,465

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $379/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $4,548/year.

Median household income is $27,346/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Durham — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Durham 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 Durham?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $379/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Durham?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $27,346/year higher in Durham.
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 Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Durham details →

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