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 vs Milwaukee: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Moving from the Big O to Cream City? You're not alone. Milwaukee's appeal, from Lake Michigan waterfront to arts and festivals, is drawing residents away from Omaha's higher costs.

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.

Environment

Omaha

Milwaukee

45 Good

Air Quality

43 Good

63.7%

Good Air Days

68.6%

96 High

Climate Risk

98 High

🌊🌡🌪

Top Hazards

🌊🌡🌪

▲+3.4°F

2050 Outlook

▲+3.3°F

35 days

Heat Days >95°F

13 days

▲+3.4°F

2050 Outlook

▲+3.3°F

35 days

Heat Days >95°F

13 days

What to Consider When Moving from Omaha, NE to Milwaukee, WI

Relocating from Omaha, NE to Milwaukee, WI involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is comparable between the two cities, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Milwaukee, WI is 9% cheaper than in Omaha, NE. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas — not just city averages — before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Milwaukee, WI pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Milwaukee, WI to match your current standard of living in Omaha, NE.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general “feel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Milwaukee, WI for a week before making a final decision — experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Omaha, NE vs Milwaukee, WI

Is Milwaukee, WI cheaper than Omaha, NE?

Omaha, NE and Milwaukee, WI have very similar costs of living, with less than 1% difference overall. Your monthly expenses would be roughly the same in either city.

What salary do I need in Milwaukee, WI to match my lifestyle in Omaha, NE?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Omaha, NE, you would need approximately $150,000 in Milwaukee, WI to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Omaha, NE and Milwaukee, WI?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $1,450/month in Omaha, NE compared to $1,235/month in Milwaukee, WI. One-bedroom apartments are $1,220/month in Omaha, NE vs $1,035/month in Milwaukee, WI. These are area-wide medians — specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Omaha, NE or Milwaukee, WI?

Groceries are about 1% more expensive in Milwaukee, WI than in Omaha, NE, which adds roughly $9.99/month to a typical household budget. This covers common items like produce, dairy, meat, and pantry staples based on BLS consumer expenditure data.

What is the best time to move from Omaha, NE to Milwaukee, WI?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Nebraska and Wisconsin on TaxTakeHome.com