Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Milwaukee, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 6.6% more expensive than Milwaukee, WI. This translates to spending an extra $495 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Milwaukee, WI?

If you earn $150,000 in Milwaukee, WI, you'd need approximately $155,934.066 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Milwaukee, WI and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 28.4% more expensive than in Milwaukee, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,235/month in Milwaukee, WI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Milwaukee, WI to Raleigh, NC?

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $495 more per month than Milwaukee, WI, or $5934 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Milwaukee, WI vs Raleigh, NC: 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 $495/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $155.9K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 6.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$495

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$5.9K

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:107

Median Home:$512K

Milwaukee, WI

The Badger State

577K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Milwaukee, WI vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Milwaukee, WI	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,923/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $546more	28.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $123less	8.7%
🏥Healthcare	$719/mo	$601/mo	↓ $118less	16.4%
📦Other	$1,607/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $100more	6.3%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$546/mo	↑ $38.25more	7.5%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 28.4%

Milwaukee, WI

$1,923

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$546

🚗Transportation

↓ 8.7%

Milwaukee, WI

$1,407

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$123

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 16.4%

Milwaukee, WI

$719

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$118

less

📦Other

↑ 6.3%

Milwaukee, WI

$1,607

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$100

⚡All Utilities

↑ 7.5%

Milwaukee, WI

$508

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$38.25

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

Milwaukee, WI

$959

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$945

To$1,570

↑ $625

1 Bed

From$1,035

To$1,640

↑ $605

2 Bed

From$1,235

To$1,800

↑ $565

3 Bed

From$1,520

To$2,255

↑ $735

Milwaukee, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $960–$1,680/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$444

Difference

Home Values

Milwaukee

Raleigh

$219K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +3.9%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +44.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$85K - $529K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 134% more expensive than Milwaukee

Calculate payment - Milwaukee Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.7K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$144

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.1%

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

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Milwaukee, WI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.6%

Property Tax:1.8%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.