Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Milwaukee is 47% cheaper than Tacoma.

$1,033/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↑ 55%
$51,888/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↑ 62%
$172,000 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$454,600 ↑ 164%
$1,082/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↑ 61%
569,756
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $564/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $6,768/year.

Median household income is $31,969/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Wisconsin's 7.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Tacoma 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 Tacoma?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $564/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Tacoma?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $31,969/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Washington?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Tacoma details →

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