Chicago, IL vs Milwaukee, WI: Cost of Living Comparison
Milwaukee has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Chicago | Milwaukee | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 98 | 70 | Milwaukee |
| Housing | 91 ($966) | 49 ($723) | Milwaukee |
| Transportation | 109 ($3.50) | 105 ($3.50) | Milwaukee |
| Food & groceries | 101 ($414) | 69 ($283) | Milwaukee |
| Utilities | 96 ($164) | 75 ($88) | Milwaukee |
| Healthcare | 96 ($118) | 75 ($64) | Milwaukee |
| Median annual wage | 107 ($51,960) | 104 ($50,270) | Milwaukee |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago, IL or Milwaukee, WI cheaper to live in?
Milwaukee, WI is cheaper overall by about 28 index points (Chicago, IL: 98, Milwaukee, WI: 70; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Chicago, IL vs Milwaukee, WI?
A single adult needs roughly $34,300/year in Chicago, IL and $24,500/year in Milwaukee, WI to cover basic living costs.