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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Glendale

Arizona
102

Milwaukee is 34% cheaper than Glendale.

$1,033/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,397/mo ↑ 35%
$51,888/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$70,139/yr ↑ 35%
$172,000 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$347,000 ↑ 102%
$1,082/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,356/mo ↑ 25%
569,756
Population
250,193

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
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Glendale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $364/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $4,368/year.

Median household income is $18,251/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $347,000 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Glendale — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Glendale?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Glendale it's $1,397/month — a difference of $364/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Glendale?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $70,139 in Glendale. Median household income is $18,251/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Glendale has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,397/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Glendale details →

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