Is Cincinnati, OH cheaper than Milwaukee, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Cincinnati, OH is 2.2% cheaper than Milwaukee, WI. This translates to saving $165 per month.

What salary do I need in Cincinnati, OH to live like I do in Milwaukee, WI?

If you earn $150,000 in Milwaukee, WI, you'd need approximately $148,021.978 in Cincinnati, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Milwaukee, WI and Cincinnati, OH?

Housing in Cincinnati, OH is 8.1% more expensive than in Milwaukee, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,200/month in Cincinnati, OH compared to $1,235/month in Milwaukee, WI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Milwaukee, WI to Cincinnati, OH?

Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Cincinnati, OH could save you approximately $165 per month, or $1978 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Milwaukee, WI vs Cincinnati, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Milwaukee, WI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $165/month moving to Cincinnati, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.0K in Cincinnati, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 2.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$165

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.0K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Milwaukee, WI

Population:577K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$219K

Cincinnati, OH

Population:309K

Cost Index:

(2% below avg)

Median Home:$225K

Milwaukee, WI

The Badger State

577K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Wisconsin, this city has a population of 577K residents.

Cincinnati, OH

The Buckeye State

309K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Ohio, this city has a population of 309K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Milwaukee, WI vs Cincinnati, OH

Category	Milwaukee, WI	Cincinnati, OH	Difference	Change
Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $191less	13.6%
Housing	$1,923/mo	$2,079/mo	↑ $156more	8.1%
Healthcare	$719/mo	$564/mo	↓ $155less	21.6%
All Utilities	$508/mo	$464/mo	↓ $43.71less	8.6%
Groceries	$959/mo	$919/mo	↓ $39.97less	4.2%
Other	$1,607/mo	$1,607/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Transportation

↓ 13.6%

Milwaukee, WI

$1,407

Cincinnati, OH

$1,216

Difference

$191

less

Housing

↑ 8.1%

Milwaukee, WI

$1,923

Cincinnati, OH

$2,079

Difference

$156

Healthcare

↓ 21.6%

Milwaukee, WI

$719

Cincinnati, OH

$564

Difference

$155

less

All Utilities

↓ 8.6%

Milwaukee, WI

$508

Cincinnati, OH

$464

Difference

$43.71

less

Groceries

↓ 4.2%

Milwaukee, WI

$959

Cincinnati, OH

$919

Difference

$39.97

less

Other

→ 0.0%

Milwaukee, WI

$1,607

Cincinnati, OH

$1,607

Difference

same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Cincinnati, OH: Cincinnati Earnings Tax$2,700/yr (1.8%)

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

Studio

From$945

To$850

↓ $95.00

1 Bed

From$1,035

To$935

↓ $100

2 Bed

From$1,235

To$1,200

↓ $35.00

3 Bed

From$1,520

To$1,585

↑ $65.00

Milwaukee, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $960–$1,680/mo

Cincinnati, OHZIP-level data

1BR range: $760–$1,580/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.

$7,123

Monthly in Milwaukee, WI

$6,849

Monthly in Cincinnati, OH

$274

Difference

Home Values

Milwaukee

Cincinnati

$219K

Median Value

$225K

↑ +3.9%

YoY Change

↑ +1.2%

↑ +44.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +31.9%

$85K - $529K

Price Range

$113K - $592K

Homes in Cincinnati are 3% more expensive than Milwaukee

Calculate payment - Milwaukee Calculate payment - Cincinnati

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$369

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.9%

Rate difference

Milwaukee, WI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Wisconsin State Tax

Effective: 5.9%

$8.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.6%

$45.9K

Take-Home Pay

$8,678/month

$104.1K

Cincinnati, OH

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Ohio State Tax

Effective: 3.0%

$4.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.6%

$41.4K

Take-Home Pay

$9,047/month

$108.6K

Additional Tax Information

Milwaukee, WI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.6%

Property Tax:1.8%

Cincinnati, OH Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:1.6%

💡 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.