salaryMilwaukee is 6% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Milwaukee to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,983
$1,284
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,622
$1,170
💵 Families earn per year
$84,017
$58,491
🔑 Buying a house
$334,100
$184,000
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.6
96.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,943
$3,668
⚡ Electric bill per month
$90
$156
👥 People living there
2,711,226
566,973
Commute to work
33.1 min
22.4 min
College degree
44.3%
27.4%
Own their home
46%
41.8%
Below poverty line
16.8%
22.8%
Unemployment
8%
6.2%
Bottom line
- Pick Chicago for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
- Pick Milwaukee for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Chicago | Milwaukee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $82,820 | $49,760 | -40% in Milwaukee |
| Electrician | $102,350 | $77,800 | -24% in Milwaukee |
| Police Officer | $107,810 | $82,090 | -24% in Milwaukee |
| Elementary School Teacher | $78,390 | $61,480 | -22% in Milwaukee |
| Lawyer | $165,660 | $131,100 | -21% in Milwaukee |
| Carpenter | $80,440 | $63,910 | -21% in Milwaukee |
| HVAC Technician | $77,960 | $62,930 | -19% in Milwaukee |
| Plumber | $103,380 | $84,700 | -18% in Milwaukee |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago or Milwaukee cheaper to live in?
Milwaukee is about 6% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,284 a month there versus $1,983 in Chicago.
What salary do I need in Milwaukee to match $60,000 in Chicago?
About $56,144 a year gives the same standard of living in Milwaukee.
Where do people earn more, Chicago or Milwaukee?
The typical household earns $84,017 in Chicago and $58,491 in Milwaukee, 44% more in Chicago.