Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Milwaukee, WI (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67

New York is 148% more expensive than Milwaukee.

$1,779/mo ↑ 72%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 42%
$79,713/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$51,888/yr ↓ 35%
$751,700 ↑ 337%
Home Value
$172,000 ↓ 77%
$1,837/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$1,082/mo ↓ 41%
8,516,202
Population
569,756

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
7.65%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Milwaukee, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $746/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $8,952/year.

Median household income is $27,825/year higher in New York. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $172,000 in Milwaukee.

Wisconsin has a lower income tax rate, making Milwaukee slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Milwaukee — common questions

Is New York or Milwaukee cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Milwaukee?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Milwaukee it's $1,033/month — a difference of $746/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Milwaukee?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $51,888 in Milwaukee. Median household income is $27,825/year higher in New York.
How do taxes compare between New York and Wisconsin?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Milwaukee?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/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.
View New York details → View Milwaukee details →

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