Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Milwaukee, WI (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67

Washington is 155% more expensive than Milwaukee.

$1,900/mo ↑ 84%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 46%
$106,287/yr ↑ 105%
Median Income
$51,888/yr ↓ 51%
$724,600 ↑ 321%
Home Value
$172,000 ↓ 76%
$2,103/mo ↑ 94%
Owner Costs
$1,082/mo ↓ 49%
672,079
Population
569,756

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
7.65%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.56%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Milwaukee, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $867/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $10,404/year.

Median household income is $54,399/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $172,000 in Milwaukee.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Milwaukee — common questions

Is Washington or Milwaukee cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Milwaukee?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Milwaukee it's $1,033/month — a difference of $867/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Milwaukee?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $51,888 in Milwaukee. Median household income is $54,399/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Wisconsin?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Milwaukee?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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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