Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living
You'd spend $83.33/month more in Milwaukee, WI
$150.0K in your current city equals $151.0K in Milwaukee, WI
Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.
Columbus, OH
Milwaukee, WI
Columbus, OH
The Buckeye State
Located in Ohio, this city has a population of 906K residents.
Milwaukee, WI
The Badger State
Located in Wisconsin, this city has a population of 577K residents.
Cost Breakdown by Category
Annual spending: Columbus, OH vs Milwaukee, WI
| Category | Columbus, OH | Milwaukee, WI | Difference | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Housing | $2,053/mo | $1,923/mo | ↓ $130less | 6.3% |
Healthcare | $607/mo | $719/mo | ↑ $112more | 18.4% |
Other | $1,557/mo | $1,607/mo | ↑ $50.22more | 3.2% |
All Utilities | $464/mo | $508/mo | ↑ $43.71more | 9.4% |
Transportation | $1,366/mo | $1,407/mo | ↑ $40.98more | 3.0% |
Groceries | $969/mo | $959/mo | ↓ $9.99less | 1.0% |
🏛️ Local Income Taxes
Milwaukee, WI has no local income tax.
Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.
🏠Rent Comparison
1BR range: $870–$1,790/mo
1BR range: $960–$1,680/mo
💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.
Home Values
Homes in Milwaukee are 17% less expensive than Columbus
Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026
Tax Comparison
Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary
Columbus, OH
Milwaukee, WI
Additional Tax Information
Columbus, OH Tax Rates
Milwaukee, WI Tax Rates
💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.
Environment
💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Ohio and Wisconsin on TaxTakeHome.com
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