Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Fort Lauderdale, FL (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Milwaukee is 49% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,033/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↑ 72%
$51,888/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↑ 54%
$172,000 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$455,600 ↑ 165%
$1,082/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↑ 64%
569,756
Population
183,032

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $743/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $8,916/year.

Median household income is $28,047/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over Wisconsin's 7.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $743/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $28,047/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Florida?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

More Comparisons

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