Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs St. Paul, MN (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

St. Paul

Minnesota
91

Milwaukee is 26% cheaper than St. Paul.

$1,033/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,248/mo ↑ 21%
$51,888/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$73,055/yr ↑ 41%
$172,000 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$280,300 ↑ 63%
$1,082/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,390/mo ↑ 28%
569,756
Population
307,762

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
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and St. Paul, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $215/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $2,580/year.

Median household income is $21,167/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $280,300 in St. Paul.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs St. Paul — common questions

Is Milwaukee or St. Paul cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and St. Paul?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in St. Paul it's $1,248/month — a difference of $215/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or St. Paul?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $73,055 in St. Paul. Median household income is $21,167/year higher in St. Paul.
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 St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,248/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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