Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Milwaukee, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 13.4% more expensive than Milwaukee, WI. This translates to spending an extra $1005 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Milwaukee, WI?

If you earn $150,000 in Milwaukee, WI, you'd need approximately $162,065.934 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Milwaukee, WI and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 45.0% more expensive than in Milwaukee, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,235/month in Milwaukee, WI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Milwaukee, WI to Phoenix, AZ?

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $1005 more per month than Milwaukee, WI, or $12066 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Milwaukee, WI vs Phoenix, AZ: 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 $1.0K/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $162.1K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↑ 13.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,005

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$12.1K

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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:113

Median Home:$414K

Milwaukee, WI

The Badger State

577K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Milwaukee, WI vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Milwaukee, WI	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,923/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $865more	45.0%
🏥Healthcare	$719/mo	$589/mo	↓ $130less	18.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $81.96more	5.8%
📦Other	$1,607/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $70.31more	4.4%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$561/mo	↑ $53.00more	10.4%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$963/mo	↑ $4.00more	0.4%

🏠Housing

↑ 45.0%

Milwaukee, WI

$1,923

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$865

🏥Healthcare

↓ 18.1%

Milwaukee, WI

$719

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$130

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 5.8%

Milwaukee, WI

$1,407

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$81.96

📦Other

↑ 4.4%

Milwaukee, WI

$1,607

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$70.31

⚡All Utilities

↑ 10.4%

Milwaukee, WI

$508

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$53.00

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.4%

Milwaukee, WI

$959

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$4.00

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$945

To$1,390

↑ $445

1 Bed

From$1,035

To$1,510

↑ $475

2 Bed

From$1,235

To$1,750

↑ $515

3 Bed

From$1,520

To$2,330

↑ $810

Milwaukee, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $960–$1,680/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$945

Difference

Home Values

Milwaukee

Phoenix

$219K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +3.9%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +44.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$85K - $529K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 89% more expensive than Milwaukee

Calculate payment - Milwaukee Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$301

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.4%

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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Milwaukee, WI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.6%

Property Tax:1.8%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.