Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Milwaukee is 10% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,033/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 8%
$51,888/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↑ 13%
$172,000 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 13%
$1,082/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 7%
569,756
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.61%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $82/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $984/year.

Median household income is $6,828/year higher in Peoria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Peoria — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Peoria?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $82/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Peoria?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $6,828/year higher in Peoria.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Illinois?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Peoria details →

More Comparisons

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