Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Tampa, FL (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Tampa

Florida
113

Milwaukee is 41% cheaper than Tampa.

$1,033/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,567/mo ↑ 52%
$51,888/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$71,302/yr ↑ 37%
$172,000 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$375,300 ↑ 118%
$1,082/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 44%
569,756
Population
393,389

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
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Tampa, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $534/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $6,408/year.

Median household income is $19,414/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $375,300 in Tampa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Tampa — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Tampa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Tampa?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Tampa it's $1,567/month — a difference of $534/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Tampa?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $71,302 in Tampa. Median household income is $19,414/year higher in Tampa.
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 Tampa?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Tampa has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,567/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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