Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Milwaukee, WI (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67

Philadelphia is 27% more expensive than Milwaukee.

$1,323/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 22%
$60,698/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$51,888/yr ↓ 15%
$232,400 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$172,000 ↓ 26%
$1,233/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,082/mo ↓ 12%
1,582,432
Population
569,756

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
7.65%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Milwaukee, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $290/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $3,480/year.

Median household income is $8,810/year higher in Philadelphia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $172,000 in Milwaukee.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Milwaukee — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Milwaukee cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Milwaukee?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Milwaukee it's $1,033/month — a difference of $290/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Milwaukee?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $51,888 in Milwaukee. Median household income is $8,810/year higher in Philadelphia.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Wisconsin?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Milwaukee?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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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