Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Milwaukee, WI (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67

Portland is 106% more expensive than Milwaukee.

$1,596/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 35%
$88,792/yr ↑ 71%
Median Income
$51,888/yr ↓ 42%
$557,600 ↑ 224%
Home Value
$172,000 ↓ 69%
$1,771/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$1,082/mo ↓ 39%
642,715
Population
569,756

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
7.65%
0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Milwaukee, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $563/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $6,756/year.

Median household income is $36,904/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $172,000 in Milwaukee.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Milwaukee — common questions

Is Portland or Milwaukee cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Milwaukee?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Milwaukee it's $1,033/month — a difference of $563/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Milwaukee?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $51,888 in Milwaukee. Median household income is $36,904/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Wisconsin?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Milwaukee?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Milwaukee details →

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