Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Lansing, MI (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Milwaukee is 16% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,033/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 6%
$51,888/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$52,170/yr ≈ Same
$172,000 ↑ 44%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 31%
$1,082/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 10%
569,756
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $57/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $684/year.

Median household income is $282/year higher in Lansing. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Lansing slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Lansing — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Lansing?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $57/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Lansing?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $282/year higher in Lansing.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Michigan?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Lansing details →

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