Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Minneapolis, MN (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102

Milwaukee is 34% cheaper than Minneapolis.

$1,033/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,329/mo ↑ 29%
$51,888/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$80,269/yr ↑ 55%
$172,000 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$345,600 ↑ 101%
$1,082/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,513/mo ↑ 40%
569,756
Population
426,845

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
9.85%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Minneapolis, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $296/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $3,552/year.

Median household income is $28,381/year higher in Minneapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $345,600 in Minneapolis.

Wisconsin has a lower income tax rate, making Milwaukee slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Minneapolis — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Minneapolis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Minneapolis?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Minneapolis it's $1,329/month — a difference of $296/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Minneapolis?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $80,269 in Minneapolis. Median household income is $28,381/year higher in Minneapolis.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Minnesota?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Minneapolis?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,329/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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