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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Gainesville

Florida
81

Milwaukee is 17% cheaper than Gainesville.

$1,033/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,214/mo ↑ 18%
$51,888/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$45,611/yr ↓ 12%
$172,000 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$235,000 ↑ 37%
$1,082/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,167/mo ↑ 8%
569,756
Population
143,611

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
31.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Gainesville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $181/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $2,172/year.

Median household income is $6,277/year higher in Milwaukee. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $235,000 in Gainesville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Gainesville — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Gainesville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Gainesville?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Gainesville it's $1,214/month — a difference of $181/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Gainesville?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $45,611 in Gainesville. Median household income is $6,277/year higher in Milwaukee.
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 Gainesville?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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