Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Mesa, AZ (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Mesa

Arizona
107

Milwaukee is 37% cheaper than Mesa.

$1,033/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,478/mo ↑ 43%
$51,888/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$78,779/yr ↑ 52%
$172,000 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$364,300 ↑ 112%
$1,082/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,404/mo ↑ 30%
569,756
Population
507,478

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Mesa, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 107 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $445/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $5,340/year.

Median household income is $26,891/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $364,300 in Mesa.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Mesa — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Mesa?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Mesa it's $1,478/month — a difference of $445/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Mesa?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $78,779 in Mesa. Median household income is $26,891/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Arizona?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Mesa has a cost index of 107 with rent of $1,478/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Mesa details →

More Comparisons

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