Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Greensboro, NC (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Greensboro

North Carolina
76

Milwaukee is 12% cheaper than Greensboro.

$1,033/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↑ 8%
$51,888/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$58,884/yr ↑ 13%
$172,000 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$221,300 ↑ 29%
$1,082/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,107/mo ↑ 2%
569,756
Population
298,564

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Greensboro, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $81/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $972/year.

Median household income is $6,996/year higher in Greensboro. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $221,300 in Greensboro.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Greensboro slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Greensboro — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Greensboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Greensboro?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Greensboro it's $1,114/month — a difference of $81/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Greensboro?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $58,884 in Greensboro. Median household income is $6,996/year higher in Greensboro.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and North Carolina?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Greensboro?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Greensboro has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Greensboro details →

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