Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Stamford, CT (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Stamford

Connecticut
172

Milwaukee is 61% cheaper than Stamford.

$1,033/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 114%
$51,888/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$107,474/yr ↑ 107%
$172,000 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$614,300 ↑ 257%
$1,082/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$2,358/mo ↑ 118%
569,756
Population
135,806

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
6.99%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.61%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Stamford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,174/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $14,088/year.

Median household income is $55,586/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $614,300 in Stamford.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Stamford slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Stamford — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Stamford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Stamford?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Stamford it's $2,207/month — a difference of $1,174/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Stamford?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $107,474 in Stamford. Median household income is $55,586/year higher in Stamford.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Connecticut?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Stamford?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Stamford has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,207/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Stamford details →

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