Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Milwaukee is 33% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,033/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 27%
$51,888/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↑ 23%
$172,000 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 104%
$1,082/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 27%
569,756
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $278/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $3,336/year.

Median household income is $12,012/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Wilmington?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $278/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Wilmington?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $12,012/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and North Carolina?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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