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 $1719 per month.

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

If you earn $75,000 in New York, NY, you'd need approximately $54,375 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 $1719 per month, or $20625 per year, based on a $75,000 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 $1.7K/month moving to Milwaukee, WI

$75.0K in your current city equals $54.4K 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

$1,719

Savings

Annual Impact

$20.6K

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	$5,959/mo	$1,498/mo	↓ $4,461less	74.9%
📦Other	$1,585/mo	$1,252/mo	↓ $333less	21.0%
🛒Groceries	$908/mo	$747/mo	↓ $160less	17.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,248/mo	$1,096/mo	↓ $152less	12.2%
⚡All Utilities	$467/mo	$396/mo	↓ $71.53less	15.3%
🏥Healthcare	$536/mo	$560/mo	↑ $24.14more	4.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 74.9%

New York, NY

$5,959

Milwaukee, WI

$1,498

Difference

$4,461

less

📦Other

↓ 21.0%

New York, NY

$1,585

Milwaukee, WI

$1,252

Difference

$333

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 17.7%

New York, NY

$908

Milwaukee, WI

$747

Difference

$160

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 12.2%

New York, NY

$1,248

Milwaukee, WI

$1,096

Difference

$152

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 15.3%

New York, NY

$467

Milwaukee, WI

$396

Difference

$71.53

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 4.5%

New York, NY

$536

Milwaukee, WI

$560

Difference

$24.14

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

New York, NY: NYC Income Tax$2,782/yr (3.7%)

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.

$10,703

Monthly in New York, NY

$5,550

Monthly in Milwaukee, WI

$5,153

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 $75.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $287

Per year

Monthly Difference

$23.95

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.4%

Rate difference

New York, NY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 13.8%

$8.3K

New York State Tax

Effective: 5.9%

$4.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$5.7K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$18.5K

Take-Home Pay

$4,707/month

$56.5K

Milwaukee, WI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 13.8%

$8.3K

Wisconsin State Tax

Effective: 5.5%

$4.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$5.7K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.3%

$18.2K

Take-Home Pay

$4,731/month

$56.8K

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.