Is Detroit, MI cheaper than Milwaukee, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Detroit, MI is 3.3% cheaper than Milwaukee, WI. This translates to saving $247 per month.

What salary do I need in Detroit, MI to live like I do in Milwaukee, WI?

If you earn $150,000 in Milwaukee, WI, you'd need approximately $147,032.967 in Detroit, MI to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Milwaukee, WI and Detroit, MI?

Housing in Detroit, MI is 18.9% cheaper than in Milwaukee, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,225/month in Detroit, MI compared to $1,235/month in Milwaukee, WI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Milwaukee, WI to Detroit, MI?

Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Detroit, MI could save you approximately $247 per month, or $2967 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Milwaukee, WI vs Detroit, MI: 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 $247/month moving to Detroit, MI

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.0K in Detroit, MI

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

Overall Cost

↓ 3.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$247

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.0K

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

Detroit, MI

Population:639K

Cost Index:

(3% below avg)

Median Home:$86K

Milwaukee, WI

The Badger State

577K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Detroit, MI

The Great Lakes State

639K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Michigan, this city has a population of 639K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Milwaukee, WI vs Detroit, MI

Category	Milwaukee, WI	Detroit, MI	Difference	Change
Housing	$1,923/mo	$1,559/mo	↓ $364less	18.9%
Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,571/mo	↑ $164more	11.7%
Healthcare	$719/mo	$564/mo	↓ $155less	21.6%
Other	$1,607/mo	$1,674/mo	↑ $66.96more	4.2%
All Utilities	$508/mo	$557/mo	↑ $49.18more	9.7%
Groceries	$959/mo	$949/mo	↓ $9.99less	1.0%

Housing

↓ 18.9%

Milwaukee, WI

$1,923

Detroit, MI

$1,559

Difference

$364

less

Transportation

↑ 11.7%

Milwaukee, WI

$1,407

Detroit, MI

$1,571

Difference

$164

Healthcare

↓ 21.6%

Milwaukee, WI

$719

Detroit, MI

$564

Difference

$155

less

Other

↑ 4.2%

Milwaukee, WI

$1,607

Detroit, MI

$1,674

Difference

$66.96

All Utilities

↑ 9.7%

Milwaukee, WI

$508

Detroit, MI

$557

Difference

$49.18

Groceries

↓ 1.0%

Milwaukee, WI

$959

Detroit, MI

$949

Difference

$9.99

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Detroit, MI: Detroit City Income Tax$3,600/yr (2.4%)

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$875

↓ $70.00

1 Bed

From$1,035

To$975

↓ $60.00

2 Bed

From$1,235

To$1,225

↓ $10.00

3 Bed

From$1,520

To$1,495

↓ $25.00

Milwaukee, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $960–$1,680/mo

Detroit, MIZIP-level data

1BR range: $830–$1,690/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

$6,875

Monthly in Detroit, MI

$249

Difference

Home Values

Milwaukee

Detroit

$219K

Median Value

$86K

↑ +3.9%

YoY Change

↓ -3.3%

↑ +44.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +15.3%

$85K - $529K

Price Range

$48K - $415K

Homes in Detroit are 61% less expensive than Milwaukee

Calculate payment - Milwaukee Calculate payment - Detroit

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$206

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.6%

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

Detroit, MI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Michigan State Tax

Effective: 4.3%

$6.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.9%

$43.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,884/month

$106.6K

Additional Tax Information

Milwaukee, WI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.6%

Property Tax:1.8%

Detroit, MI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.4%

💡 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.