Is Milwaukee, WI cheaper than Omaha, NE?

Based on cost of living data, Milwaukee, WI is 0.0% cheaper than Omaha, NE. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Milwaukee, WI to live like I do in Omaha, NE?

If you earn $150,000 in Omaha, NE, you'd need approximately $150,000 in Milwaukee, WI to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Omaha, NE and Milwaukee, WI?

Housing in Milwaukee, WI is 8.6% cheaper than in Omaha, NE. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,235/month in Milwaukee, WI compared to $1,450/month in Omaha, NE.

How much can I save per month by moving from Omaha, NE to Milwaukee, WI?

Omaha, NE and Milwaukee, WI have very similar costs of living, based on a $150,000 salary.

Omaha, NE vs Milwaukee, WI: 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 Omaha, NE

Numbers update automatically as you type

Omaha, NE and Milwaukee, WI have similar living costs

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

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA area

Overall Cost

→ 0.0%

Same cost

Monthly Impact

No change

Annual Impact

Per year

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

Omaha, NE

Population:486K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$282K

Milwaukee, WI

Population:577K

Cost Index:

100

(national average)

Median Home:$219K

Omaha, NE

The Cornhusker State

486K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Nebraska, this city has a population of 486K residents.

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: Omaha, NE vs Milwaukee, WI

Category	Omaha, NE	Milwaukee, WI	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,105/mo	$1,923/mo	↓ $182less	8.6%
Transportation	$1,243/mo	$1,407/mo	↑ $164more	13.2%
All Utilities	$470/mo	$508/mo	↑ $38.25more	8.1%
Healthcare	$682/mo	$719/mo	↑ $37.17more	5.5%
Other	$1,624/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $16.74less	1.0%
Groceries	$949/mo	$959/mo	↑ $9.99more	1.1%

Housing

↓ 8.6%

Omaha, NE

$2,105

Milwaukee, WI

$1,923

Difference

$182

less

Transportation

↑ 13.2%

Omaha, NE

$1,243

Milwaukee, WI

$1,407

Difference

$164

All Utilities

↑ 8.1%

Omaha, NE

$470

Milwaukee, WI

$508

Difference

$38.25

Healthcare

↑ 5.5%

Omaha, NE

$682

Milwaukee, WI

$719

Difference

$37.17

Other

↓ 1.0%

Omaha, NE

$1,624

Milwaukee, WI

$1,607

Difference

$16.74

less

Groceries

↑ 1.1%

Omaha, NE

$949

Milwaukee, WI

$959

Difference

$9.99

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,160

To$945

↓ $215

1 Bed

From$1,220

To$1,035

↓ $185

2 Bed

From$1,450

To$1,235

↓ $215

3 Bed

From$1,920

To$1,520

↓ $400

Omaha, NEZIP-level data

1BR range: $960–$1,720/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.

$7,073

Monthly in Omaha, NE

$7,123

Monthly in Milwaukee, WI

$50.68

Difference

Home Values

Omaha

Milwaukee

$282K

Median Value

$219K

↑ +1.2%

YoY Change

↑ +3.9%

↑ +31.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +44.6%

$129K - $441K

Price Range

$85K - $529K

Homes in Milwaukee are 23% less expensive than Omaha

Calculate payment - Omaha Calculate payment - Milwaukee

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $486

Per year

Monthly Difference

$40.47

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.3%

Rate difference

Omaha, NE

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Nebraska State Tax

Effective: 6.2%

$9.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.9%

$46.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,638/month

$103.7K

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

Omaha, NE Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:1.8%

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.