Is Toledo, OH cheaper than Milwaukee, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Toledo, OH is 0.5% cheaper than Milwaukee, WI. The two cities have very similar living costs.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Milwaukee, WI, you'd need approximately $149,570.077 in Toledo, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Toledo, OH is 16.6% cheaper than in Milwaukee, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,075/month in Toledo, OH compared to $1,235/month in Milwaukee, WI.

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

Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Toledo, OH could save you approximately $36 per month, or $430 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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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 $35.83/month moving to Toledo, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.6K in Toledo, OH

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

Overall Cost

↓ 0.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$35.83

Savings

Annual Impact

$430

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

Toledo, OH

Population:265K

Cost Index:

100

(0% below avg)

Median Home:$130K

Milwaukee, WI

The Badger State

577K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Toledo, OH

The Buckeye State

265K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Ohio, this city has a population of 265K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Milwaukee, WI vs Toledo, OH

Category	Milwaukee, WI	Toledo, OH	Difference	Change
Housing	$1,923/mo	$1,605/mo	↓ $318less	16.6%
Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,617/mo	↑ $210more	14.9%
Healthcare	$719/mo	$572/mo	↓ $147less	20.4%
Other	$1,607/mo	$1,723/mo	↑ $116more	7.2%
All Utilities	$508/mo	$565/mo	↑ $57.24more	11.3%
Groceries	$959/mo	$963/mo	↑ $3.74more	0.4%

Housing

↓ 16.6%

Milwaukee, WI

$1,923

Toledo, OH

$1,605

Difference

$318

less

Transportation

↑ 14.9%

Milwaukee, WI

$1,407

Toledo, OH

$1,617

Difference

$210

Healthcare

↓ 20.4%

Milwaukee, WI

$719

Toledo, OH

$572

Difference

$147

less

Other

↑ 7.2%

Milwaukee, WI

$1,607

Toledo, OH

$1,723

Difference

$116

All Utilities

↑ 11.3%

Milwaukee, WI

$508

Toledo, OH

$565

Difference

$57.24

Groceries

↑ 0.4%

Milwaukee, WI

$959

Toledo, OH

$963

Difference

$3.74

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Toledo, OH: Toledo Municipal Income Tax$3,750/yr (2.5%)

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$772

↓ $173

1 Bed

From$1,035

To$818

↓ $217

2 Bed

From$1,235

To$1,075

↓ $160

3 Bed

From$1,520

To$1,379

↓ $141

Milwaukee, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $960–$1,680/mo

Toledo, OHZIP-level data

1BR range: $740–$930/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

$7,045

Monthly in Toledo, OH

$78.64

Difference

Home Values

Milwaukee

Toledo

$219K

Median Value

$130K

↑ +3.9%

YoY Change

↑ +5.6%

↑ +44.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +41%

$85K - $529K

Price Range

$47K - $314K

Homes in Toledo are 41% less expensive than Milwaukee

Calculate payment - Milwaukee Calculate payment - Toledo

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

Toledo, 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%

Toledo, 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.