Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Reno, NV (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Reno

Nevada
122

Milwaukee is 45% cheaper than Reno.

$1,033/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,453/mo ↑ 41%
$51,888/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$78,448/yr ↑ 51%
$172,000 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$498,600 ↑ 190%
$1,082/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,482/mo ↑ 37%
569,756
Population
268,959

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Reno, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $420/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $5,040/year.

Median household income is $26,560/year higher in Reno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $498,600 in Reno.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Reno residents a significant tax advantage over Wisconsin's 7.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Reno — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Reno cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Reno?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Reno it's $1,453/month — a difference of $420/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Reno?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $78,448 in Reno. Median household income is $26,560/year higher in Reno.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Nevada?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Reno?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Reno has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,453/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Reno details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Milwaukee and Reno

Milwaukee vs. Baltimore Milwaukee vs. Albuquerque Milwaukee vs. Louisville Milwaukee vs. Fresno Milwaukee vs. Memphis Milwaukee vs. Tucson Reno vs. North Las Vegas Reno vs. Toledo Reno vs. Gilbert Reno vs. Fort Wayne Reno vs. Chula Vista Reno vs. Lubbock