Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Pittsburgh, PA (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76

Milwaukee is 12% cheaper than Pittsburgh.

$1,033/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↑ 18%
$51,888/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$64,137/yr ↑ 24%
$172,000 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$193,200 ↑ 12%
$1,082/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,136/mo ↑ 5%
569,756
Population
303,620

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
3.07%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Pittsburgh, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $188/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $2,256/year.

Median household income is $12,249/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $193,200 in Pittsburgh.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Pittsburgh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Pittsburgh — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Pittsburgh?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Pittsburgh it's $1,221/month — a difference of $188/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Pittsburgh?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $64,137 in Pittsburgh. Median household income is $12,249/year higher in Pittsburgh.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Pennsylvania?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Pittsburgh?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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