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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Milwaukee is 8% cheaper than High Point.

$1,033/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↑ 3%
$51,888/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↑ 18%
$172,000 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$212,400 ↑ 23%
$1,082/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ≈ Same
569,756
Population
115,263

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
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,340/year higher in High Point. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs High Point — common questions

Is Milwaukee or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and High Point?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $29/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or High Point?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $9,340/year higher in High Point.
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 High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View High Point details →

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