Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Milwaukee is 40% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,033/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 42%
$51,888/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↑ 23%
$172,000 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 129%
$1,082/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 43%
569,756
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
10.75%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.61%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $430/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $5,160/year.

Median household income is $11,986/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

Wisconsin has a lower income tax rate, making Milwaukee slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $430/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $11,986/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and New Jersey?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Elizabeth details →

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