Is Denver, CO cheaper than Milwaukee, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 20.9% more expensive than Milwaukee, WI. This translates to spending an extra $1566 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Milwaukee, WI?

If you earn $150,000 in Milwaukee, WI, you'd need approximately $168,791.209 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Milwaukee, WI and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 68.9% more expensive than in Milwaukee, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,235/month in Milwaukee, WI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Milwaukee, WI to Denver, CO?

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $1566 more per month than Milwaukee, WI, or $18791 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Milwaukee, WI vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Milwaukee, WI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.6K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $168.8K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↑ 20.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,566

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$18.8K

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

Median Home:$219K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:121

Median Home:$513K

Milwaukee, WI

The Badger State

577K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Milwaukee, WI vs Denver, CO

Category	Milwaukee, WI	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,923/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $1,325more	68.9%
📦Other	$1,607/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $167more	10.4%
🏥Healthcare	$719/mo	$632/mo	↓ $86.74less	12.1%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $69.95more	7.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $54.64more	3.9%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$519/mo	↑ $10.93more	2.2%

🏠Housing

↑ 68.9%

Milwaukee, WI

$1,923

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$1,325

📦Other

↑ 10.4%

Milwaukee, WI

$1,607

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$167

🏥Healthcare

↓ 12.1%

Milwaukee, WI

$719

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$86.74

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 7.3%

Milwaukee, WI

$959

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$69.95

🚗Transportation

↑ 3.9%

Milwaukee, WI

$1,407

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$54.64

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.2%

Milwaukee, WI

$508

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$10.93

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

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$1,720

↑ $775

1 Bed

From$1,035

To$1,840

↑ $805

2 Bed

From$1,235

To$2,190

↑ $955

3 Bed

From$1,520

To$2,870

↑ $1,350

Milwaukee, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $960–$1,680/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$1,542

Difference

Home Values

Milwaukee

Denver

$219K

Median Value

$513K

↑ +3.9%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +44.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$85K - $529K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 134% more expensive than Milwaukee

Calculate payment - Milwaukee Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$187

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.5%

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

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Milwaukee, WI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.6%

Property Tax:1.8%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 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.