Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Milwaukee is 28% cheaper than Rochester.

$1,033/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 27%
$51,888/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 69%
$172,000 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 67%
$1,082/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 23%
569,756
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
9.85%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $283/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $3,396/year.

Median household income is $35,879/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Rochester — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Rochester?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $283/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Rochester?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $35,879/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Minnesota?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Rochester details →

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