Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Toledo, OH (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Toledo

Ohio
52

Milwaukee is 29% more expensive than Toledo.

$1,033/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$880/mo ↓ 15%
$51,888/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$47,532/yr ↓ 8%
$172,000 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$107,000 ↓ 38%
$1,082/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$856/mo ↓ 21%
569,756
Population
268,461

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
3.5%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Toledo, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 52 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $153/month cheaper in Toledo, saving renters about $1,836/year.

Median household income is $4,356/year higher in Milwaukee. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $107,000 in Toledo.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Toledo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Toledo — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Toledo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Toledo is cheaper to live in with an index of 52 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Toledo?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Toledo it's $880/month — a difference of $153/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Toledo?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $47,532 in Toledo. Median household income is $4,356/year higher in Milwaukee.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Ohio?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Toledo?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Toledo has a cost index of 52 with rent of $880/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Toledo details →

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