Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Kent, WA (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Milwaukee is 54% cheaper than Kent.

$1,033/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 77%
$51,888/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 74%
$172,000 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 212%
$1,082/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 77%
569,756
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $800/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $9,600/year.

Median household income is $38,528/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Wisconsin's 7.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Kent — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Kent?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $800/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Kent?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $38,528/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Washington?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Kent details →

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