Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Virginia Beach, VA (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117

Milwaukee is 43% cheaper than Virginia Beach.

$1,033/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,649/mo ↑ 60%
$51,888/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$90,685/yr ↑ 75%
$172,000 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$366,300 ↑ 113%
$1,082/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,704/mo ↑ 57%
569,756
Population
457,066

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Virginia Beach, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $616/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $7,392/year.

Median household income is $38,797/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $366,300 in Virginia Beach.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Virginia Beach slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Virginia Beach — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Virginia Beach?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Virginia Beach it's $1,649/month — a difference of $616/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Virginia Beach?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $90,685 in Virginia Beach. Median household income is $38,797/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Virginia?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Virginia Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,649/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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