Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Omaha, NE (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Omaha

Nebraska
80

Milwaukee is 16% cheaper than Omaha.

$1,033/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,150/mo ↑ 11%
$51,888/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$72,708/yr ↑ 40%
$172,000 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$230,100 ↑ 34%
$1,082/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,249/mo ↑ 15%
569,756
Population
488,197

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
6.64%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
5.5%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.73%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Omaha, NE, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $117/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $1,404/year.

Median household income is $20,820/year higher in Omaha. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $230,100 in Omaha.

Nebraska has a lower income tax rate, making Omaha slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Omaha — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Omaha cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Omaha?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Omaha it's $1,150/month — a difference of $117/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Omaha?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $72,708 in Omaha. Median household income is $20,820/year higher in Omaha.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Nebraska?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Omaha?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Omaha has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,150/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Omaha details →

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