Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Hartford, CT (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Milwaukee is 17% cheaper than Hartford.

$1,033/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↑ 18%
$51,888/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 13%
$172,000 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$217,200 ↑ 26%
$1,082/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↑ 18%
569,756
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
6.99%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.61%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $188/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $2,256/year.

Median household income is $6,588/year higher in Milwaukee. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Hartford slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Hartford — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Hartford 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 Hartford?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $188/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Hartford?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $6,588/year higher in Milwaukee.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Connecticut?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Hartford has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Hartford details →

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