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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Milwaukee is 10% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,033/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ≈ Same
$51,888/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 10%
$172,000 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 30%
$1,082/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 7%
569,756
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
10.9%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,260/year higher in Milwaukee. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $120,600 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, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 67 (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 $1,039/month — a difference of $6/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Rochester?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $5,260/year higher in Milwaukee.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and New York?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% 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 61 with rent of $1,039/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Rochester details →

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