Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Milwaukee is 47% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,033/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 86%
$51,888/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 80%
$172,000 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 130%
$1,082/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 47%
569,756
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $884/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $10,608/year.

Median household income is $41,483/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Surprise — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Surprise?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $884/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Surprise?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $41,483/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Arizona?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Milwaukee and Surprise

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