Is Milwaukee, WI cheaper than New York, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Milwaukee, WI is 45.8% cheaper than New York, NY. This translates to saving $3438 per month.

What salary do I need in Milwaukee, WI to live like I do in New York, NY?

If you earn $150,000 in New York, NY, you'd need approximately $108,750 in Milwaukee, WI to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between New York, NY and Milwaukee, WI?

Housing in Milwaukee, WI is 74.9% cheaper than in New York, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,235/month in Milwaukee, WI compared to $3,590/month in New York, NY.

How much can I save per month by moving from New York, NY to Milwaukee, WI?

Moving from New York, NY to Milwaukee, WI could save you approximately $3438 per month, or $41250 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

New York, NY

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Milwaukee, WI

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in New York, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.4K/month moving to Milwaukee, WI

$150.0K in your current city equals $108.8K in Milwaukee, WI

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↓ 45.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,438

Savings

Annual Impact

$41.3K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

New York, NY

Population:8337K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.05M

Milwaukee, WI

Population:577K

Cost Index:54

Median Home:$219K

New York, NY

The Empire State

8.3M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Most populous city in the US
•Major global financial center
•World-renowned cultural hub

Major Industries

FinanceReal EstateTechnologyMedia

Milwaukee, WI

The Badger State

577K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: New York, NY vs Milwaukee, WI

Category	New York, NY	Milwaukee, WI	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,648/mo	$1,923/mo	↓ $5,725less	74.9%
📦Other	$2,034/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $427less	21.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,165/mo	$959/mo	↓ $206less	17.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,407/mo	↓ $195less	12.2%
⚡All Utilities	$600/mo	$508/mo	↓ $91.80less	15.3%
🏥Healthcare	$688/mo	$719/mo	↑ $30.98more	4.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 74.9%

New York, NY

$7,648

Milwaukee, WI

$1,923

Difference

$5,725

less

📦Other

↓ 21.0%

New York, NY

$2,034

Milwaukee, WI

$1,607

Difference

$427

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 17.7%

New York, NY

$1,165

Milwaukee, WI

$959

Difference

$206

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 12.2%

New York, NY

$1,602

Milwaukee, WI

$1,407

Difference

$195

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 15.3%

New York, NY

$600

Milwaukee, WI

$508

Difference

$91.80

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 4.5%

New York, NY

$688

Milwaukee, WI

$719

Difference

$30.98

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

New York, NY: NYC Income Tax$5,689/yr (3.8%)

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$3,120

To$945

↓ $2,175

1 Bed

From$3,270

To$1,035

↓ $2,235

2 Bed

From$3,590

To$1,235

↓ $2,355

3 Bed

From$4,500

To$1,520

↓ $2,980

New York, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,260–$3,990/mo

Milwaukee, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $960–$1,680/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.

$13,737

Monthly in New York, NY

$7,123

Monthly in Milwaukee, WI

$6,614

Difference

Home Values

New York

Milwaukee

$1.05M

Median Value

$219K

↓ -0.1%

YoY Change

↑ +3.9%

↓ -5.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +44.6%

$471K - $3.49M

Price Range

$85K - $529K

Homes in Milwaukee are 79% less expensive than New York

Calculate payment - New York Calculate payment - Milwaukee

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $693

Per year

Monthly Difference

$57.76

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.5%

Rate difference

New York, NY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New York State Tax

Effective: 6.4%

$9.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.0%

$46.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,620/month

$103.4K

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

Additional Tax Information

New York, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

Milwaukee, WI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.6%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 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.