Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Warren, MI (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Warren

Michigan
73

Milwaukee is 8% cheaper than Warren.

$1,033/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,184/mo ↑ 15%
$51,888/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$63,741/yr ↑ 23%
$172,000 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$181,900 ↑ 6%
$1,082/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,098/mo ↑ 1%
569,756
Population
138,128

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Warren, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $151/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $1,812/year.

Median household income is $11,853/year higher in Warren. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $181,900 in Warren.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Warren slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Warren — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Warren cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Warren?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Warren it's $1,184/month — a difference of $151/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Warren?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $63,741 in Warren. Median household income is $11,853/year higher in Warren.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Michigan?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Warren?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Warren has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,184/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Warren details →

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