Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Milwaukee is 12% cheaper than Waterbury.

$1,033/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↑ 14%
$51,888/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$51,642/yr ≈ Same
$172,000 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$185,400 ↑ 8%
$1,082/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↑ 18%
569,756
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
6.99%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.61%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $147/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $1,764/year.

Median household income is $246/year higher in Milwaukee. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Waterbury slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Waterbury?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $147/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Waterbury?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $246/year higher in Milwaukee.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Connecticut?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Milwaukee details → View Waterbury details →

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