Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Gilbert, AZ (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Gilbert

Arizona
148

Milwaukee is 55% cheaper than Gilbert.

$1,033/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,028/mo ↑ 96%
$51,888/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$121,351/yr ↑ 134%
$172,000 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$518,600 ↑ 202%
$1,082/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,908/mo ↑ 76%
569,756
Population
271,118

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Gilbert, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $995/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $11,940/year.

Median household income is $69,463/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $518,600 in Gilbert.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Gilbert slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Gilbert — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Gilbert cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Gilbert?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Gilbert it's $2,028/month — a difference of $995/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Gilbert?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $121,351 in Gilbert. Median household income is $69,463/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Arizona?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Gilbert?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with rent of $2,028/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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