Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Milwaukee is 51% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,033/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 61%
$51,888/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 61%
$172,000 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 219%
$1,082/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 56%
569,756
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $628/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $7,536/year.

Median household income is $31,710/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Fort Collins slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $628/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $31,710/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Colorado?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,661/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Fort Collins details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Milwaukee and Fort Collins

Milwaukee vs. Baltimore Milwaukee vs. Albuquerque Milwaukee vs. Louisville Milwaukee vs. Fresno Milwaukee vs. Memphis Milwaukee vs. Tucson Fort Collins vs. Lancaster Fort Collins vs. Springfield Fort Collins vs. Pembroke Pines Fort Collins vs. Palmdale Fort Collins vs. Garden Grove Fort Collins vs. Salinas