Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Jersey City, NJ (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Jersey City

New Jersey
148

Milwaukee is 55% cheaper than Jersey City.

$1,033/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↑ 84%
$51,888/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$94,813/yr ↑ 83%
$172,000 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$534,500 ↑ 211%
$1,082/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,006/mo ↑ 85%
569,756
Population
289,691

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
10.75%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.61%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Jersey City, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $869/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $10,428/year.

Median household income is $42,925/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $534,500 in Jersey City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Jersey City — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Jersey City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Jersey City?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Jersey City it's $1,902/month — a difference of $869/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Jersey City?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $94,813 in Jersey City. Median household income is $42,925/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and New Jersey?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Jersey City?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with rent of $1,902/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Jersey City details →

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