Cost of Living: Nashville, TN vs Milwaukee, WI (2026)

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67

Nashville is 64% more expensive than Milwaukee.

$1,486/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 30%
$75,197/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$51,888/yr ↓ 31%
$383,100 ↑ 123%
Home Value
$172,000 ↓ 55%
$1,471/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,082/mo ↓ 26%
684,298
Population
569,756

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
7.65%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Milwaukee, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $453/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $5,436/year.

Median household income is $23,309/year higher in Nashville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $172,000 in Milwaukee.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Nashville residents a significant tax advantage over Wisconsin's 7.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Milwaukee — common questions

Is Nashville or Milwaukee cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Milwaukee?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Milwaukee it's $1,033/month — a difference of $453/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Milwaukee?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $51,888 in Milwaukee. Median household income is $23,309/year higher in Nashville.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Wisconsin?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Nashville or Milwaukee?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/mo, while Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,033/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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