Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs New Haven, CT (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Milwaukee is 29% cheaper than New Haven.

$1,033/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↑ 40%
$51,888/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↑ 4%
$172,000 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$249,000 ↑ 45%
$1,082/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↑ 40%
569,756
Population
132,893

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
6.99%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.61%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $409/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $4,908/year.

Median household income is $1,883/year higher in New Haven. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making New Haven slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs New Haven — common questions

Is Milwaukee or New Haven cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and New Haven?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $409/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or New Haven?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $1,883/year higher in New Haven.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Connecticut?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while New Haven has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,442/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View New Haven details →

More Comparisons

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