Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Milwaukee is 44% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$1,033/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 65%
$51,888/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↑ 33%
$172,000 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 115%
$1,082/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 54%
569,756
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
0%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $676/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $8,112/year.

Median household income is $17,373/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over Wisconsin's 7.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Milwaukee or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $676/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $17,373/year higher in West Palm Beach.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Florida?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Milwaukee and West Palm Beach

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