Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Milwaukee is 49% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,033/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 66%
$51,888/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 90%
$172,000 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 182%
$1,082/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 49%
569,756
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
5.8%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $681/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $8,172/year.

Median household income is $46,798/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Idaho has a lower income tax rate, making Meridian slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Meridian — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Meridian?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $681/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Meridian?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $46,798/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Idaho?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Meridian details →

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