Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Milwaukee is 18% cheaper than Lakeland.

$1,033/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 26%
$51,888/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↑ 17%
$172,000 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$229,100 ↑ 33%
$1,082/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↑ 6%
569,756
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $266/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $3,192/year.

Median household income is $9,059/year higher in Lakeland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Lakeland?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $266/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Lakeland?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $9,059/year higher in Lakeland.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Florida?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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