Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Honolulu, HI (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Honolulu

Hawaii
175

Milwaukee is 62% cheaper than Honolulu.

$1,033/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,783/mo ↑ 73%
$51,888/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$85,428/yr ↑ 65%
$172,000 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$834,100 ↑ 385%
$1,082/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,809/mo ↑ 67%
569,756
Population
346,323

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
11.0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.32%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Honolulu, HI, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $750/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $9,000/year.

Median household income is $33,540/year higher in Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $834,100 in Honolulu.

Wisconsin has a lower income tax rate, making Milwaukee slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Honolulu — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Honolulu cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Honolulu?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Honolulu it's $1,783/month — a difference of $750/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Honolulu?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $85,428 in Honolulu. Median household income is $33,540/year higher in Honolulu.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Hawaii?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Honolulu?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with rent of $1,783/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Honolulu details →

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