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.
Kansas City, MO
Milwaukee, WI
Kansas City, MO
The Show-Me State
Located in Missouri, this city has a population of 508K residents.
Milwaukee, WI
The Badger State
Located in Wisconsin, this city has a population of 577K residents.
Cost Breakdown by Category
Annual spending: Kansas City, MO vs Milwaukee, WI
| Category | Kansas City, MO | Milwaukee, WI | Difference | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Transportation | $1,216/mo | $1,407/mo | ↑ $191more | 15.7% |
Housing | $2,105/mo | $1,923/mo | ↓ $182less | 8.6% |
Healthcare | $607/mo | $719/mo | ↑ $112more | 18.4% |
All Utilities | $535/mo | $508/mo | ↓ $27.32less | 5.1% |
Groceries | $949/mo | $959/mo | ↑ $9.99more | 1.1% |
Other | $1,607/mo | $1,607/mo | → $0 | 0.0% |
🏛️ 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: $900–$1,800/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 15% less expensive than Kansas City
Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026
Tax Comparison
Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary
Kansas City, MO
Milwaukee, WI
Additional Tax Information
Kansas City, MO 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 Missouri and Wisconsin on TaxTakeHome.com
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