Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs St. Petersburg, FL (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

St. Petersburg

Florida
106

Milwaukee is 37% cheaper than St. Petersburg.

$1,033/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,542/mo ↑ 49%
$51,888/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$73,118/yr ↑ 41%
$172,000 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$331,500 ↑ 93%
$1,082/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↑ 33%
569,756
Population
260,646

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and St. Petersburg, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $509/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $6,108/year.

Median household income is $21,230/year higher in St. Petersburg. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $331,500 in St. Petersburg.

Florida has no state income tax, giving St. Petersburg residents a significant tax advantage over Wisconsin's 7.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs St. Petersburg — common questions

Is Milwaukee or St. Petersburg cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and St. Petersburg?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in St. Petersburg it's $1,542/month — a difference of $509/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or St. Petersburg?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $73,118 in St. Petersburg. Median household income is $21,230/year higher in St. Petersburg.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Florida?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or St. Petersburg?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while St. Petersburg has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,542/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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