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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Miami

Florida
129

Milwaukee is 48% cheaper than Miami.

$1,033/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,657/mo ↑ 60%
$51,888/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$59,390/yr ↑ 14%
$172,000 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$475,200 ↑ 176%
$1,082/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,666/mo ↑ 54%
569,756
Population
446,663

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
33.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Miami, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 129 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $624/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $7,488/year.

Median household income is $7,502/year higher in Miami. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $475,200 in Miami.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Miami — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Miami cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 129 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Miami?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Miami it's $1,657/month — a difference of $624/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Miami?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $59,390 in Miami. Median household income is $7,502/year higher in Miami.
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 Miami?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Miami has a cost index of 129 with rent of $1,657/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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