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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Vancouver

Washington
123

Milwaukee is 46% cheaper than Vancouver.

$1,033/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 58%
$51,888/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$78,156/yr ↑ 51%
$172,000 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$440,300 ↑ 156%
$1,082/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 49%
569,756
Population
192,696

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Vancouver, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 123 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $599/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $7,188/year.

Median household income is $26,268/year higher in Vancouver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $440,300 in Vancouver.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Vancouver — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Vancouver cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 123 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Vancouver?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Vancouver it's $1,632/month — a difference of $599/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Vancouver?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $78,156 in Vancouver. Median household income is $26,268/year higher in Vancouver.
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 Vancouver?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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