Madison, WI vs Milwaukee, WI: Cost of Living Comparison
Milwaukee has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Madison | Milwaukee | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 100 | 70 | Milwaukee |
| Housing | 100 ($955) | 49 ($723) | Milwaukee |
| Transportation | 98 ($3.50) | 105 ($3.50) | Madison |
| Food & groceries | 103 ($422) | 69 ($283) | Milwaukee |
| Utilities | 100 ($180) | 75 ($88) | Milwaukee |
| Healthcare | 100 ($130) | 75 ($64) | Milwaukee |
| Median annual wage | 104 ($50,270) | 104 ($50,270) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madison, WI or Milwaukee, WI cheaper to live in?
Milwaukee, WI is cheaper overall by about 30 index points (Madison, WI: 100, Milwaukee, WI: 70; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Madison, WI vs Milwaukee, WI?
A single adult needs roughly $35,000/year in Madison, WI and $24,500/year in Milwaukee, WI to cover basic living costs.