Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Evansville, IN (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Milwaukee is 18% more expensive than Evansville.

$1,033/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 8%
$51,888/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$52,251/yr ≈ Same
$172,000 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$129,100 ↓ 25%
$1,082/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 15%
569,756
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
3.05%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $84/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $1,008/year.

Median household income is $363/year higher in Evansville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Evansville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Evansville — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Evansville?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $84/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Evansville?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $363/year higher in Evansville.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Indiana?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Evansville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Milwaukee and Evansville

Milwaukee vs. Baltimore Milwaukee vs. Albuquerque Milwaukee vs. Louisville Milwaukee vs. Fresno Milwaukee vs. Memphis Milwaukee vs. Tucson Evansville vs. The Woodlands Evansville vs. Brandon Evansville vs. Lakeland Evansville vs. West Jordan Evansville vs. Clearwater Evansville vs. Broken Arrow