Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Milwaukee is 15% cheaper than Springfield.

$1,033/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↑ 8%
$51,888/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 1%
$172,000 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$222,700 ↑ 29%
$1,082/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↑ 18%
569,756
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $81/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $972/year.

Median household income is $549/year higher in Milwaukee. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Springfield — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Springfield?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $81/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Springfield?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $549/year higher in Milwaukee.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Massachusetts?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Springfield details →

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