Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Milwaukee is 13% cheaper than Lafayette.

$1,033/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↑ 3%
$51,888/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↑ 18%
$172,000 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 46%
$1,082/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 2%
569,756
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,566/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Lafayette slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Lafayette?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $32/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Lafayette?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $9,566/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Louisiana?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

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