Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Milwaukee, WI (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67

Seattle is 193% more expensive than Milwaukee.

$1,998/mo ↑ 93%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 48%
$121,984/yr ↑ 135%
Median Income
$51,888/yr ↓ 57%
$912,100 ↑ 430%
Home Value
$172,000 ↓ 81%
$2,220/mo ↑ 105%
Owner Costs
$1,082/mo ↓ 51%
741,440
Population
569,756

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
7.65%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Milwaukee, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $965/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $11,580/year.

Median household income is $70,096/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $172,000 in Milwaukee.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Milwaukee — common questions

Is Seattle or Milwaukee cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Milwaukee?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Milwaukee it's $1,033/month — a difference of $965/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Milwaukee?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $51,888 in Milwaukee. Median household income is $70,096/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Wisconsin?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Milwaukee?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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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