Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Newark, NJ (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Newark

New Jersey
100

Milwaukee is 33% cheaper than Newark.

$1,033/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,330/mo ↑ 29%
$51,888/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$48,416/yr ↓ 7%
$172,000 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$337,800 ↑ 96%
$1,082/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,419/mo ↑ 31%
569,756
Population
307,188

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
10.75%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.61%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Newark, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $297/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $3,564/year.

Median household income is $3,472/year higher in Milwaukee. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $337,800 in Newark.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Newark — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Newark cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Newark?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Newark it's $1,330/month — a difference of $297/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Newark?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $48,416 in Newark. Median household income is $3,472/year higher in Milwaukee.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and New Jersey?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Newark?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Newark has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Newark details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Milwaukee and Newark

Milwaukee vs. Baltimore Milwaukee vs. Albuquerque Milwaukee vs. Louisville Milwaukee vs. Fresno Milwaukee vs. Memphis Milwaukee vs. Tucson Newark vs. St. Paul Newark vs. Pittsburgh Newark vs. Irvine Newark vs. Greensboro Newark vs. Cincinnati Newark vs. St. Louis