DeKalb, 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 | DeKalb | Milwaukee | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 75 | 70 | Milwaukee |
| Housing | 58 ($721) | 49 ($723) | Milwaukee |
| Transportation | 114 ($3.50) | 105 ($3.50) | Milwaukee |
| Food & groceries | 62 ($254) | 69 ($283) | DeKalb |
| Utilities | 79 ($104) | 75 ($88) | Milwaukee |
| Healthcare | 79 ($75) | 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 DeKalb, IL or Milwaukee, WI cheaper to live in?
Milwaukee, WI is cheaper overall by about 5 index points (DeKalb, IL: 75, Milwaukee, WI: 70; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in DeKalb, IL vs Milwaukee, WI?
A single adult needs roughly $26,250/year in DeKalb, IL and $24,500/year in Milwaukee, WI to cover basic living costs.