Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Milwaukee is 43% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$1,033/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↑ 30%
$51,888/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↑ 44%
$172,000 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 188%
$1,082/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↑ 29%
569,756
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.65%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $310/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $3,720/year.

Median household income is $23,037/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $310/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $23,037/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Utah?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Salt Lake City details →

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