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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Milwaukee is 37% cheaper than Paterson.

$1,033/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 41%
$51,888/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↑ 4%
$172,000 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$335,400 ↑ 95%
$1,082/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 44%
569,756
Population
157,660

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
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $424/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $5,088/year.

Median household income is $1,878/year higher in Paterson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Paterson — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Paterson?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $424/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Paterson?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $1,878/year higher in Paterson.
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 Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Paterson has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,457/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

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