salaryAbout the sameBased 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
$1,611
$1,284
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,481
$1,170
💵 Families earn per year
$71,269
$58,491
🔑 Buying a house
$252,900
$184,000
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
95.5
96.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,341
$3,668
⚡ Electric bill per month
$123
$156
👥 People living there
914,802
566,973
Commute to work
21.5 min
22.4 min
College degree
38.2%
27.4%
Own their home
44.1%
41.8%
Below poverty line
18.1%
22.8%
Unemployment
5.1%
6.2%
Bottom line
- Pick Columbus for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
- Pick Milwaukee for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Columbus | Milwaukee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $63,260 | $84,700 | +34% in Milwaukee |
| Operations Manager | $102,590 | $125,490 | +22% in Milwaukee |
| Elementary School Teacher | $78,150 | $61,480 | -21% in Milwaukee |
| Electrician | $64,700 | $77,800 | +20% in Milwaukee |
| Firefighter | $61,780 | $49,760 | -19% in Milwaukee |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $37,490 | $30,330 | -19% in Milwaukee |
| Police Officer | $100,890 | $82,090 | -19% in Milwaukee |
| Registered Nurse | $83,900 | $97,360 | +16% in Milwaukee |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbus or Milwaukee cheaper to live in?
Columbus and Milwaukee cost about the same once rent and everyday costs are combined.
What salary do I need in Milwaukee to match $60,000 in Columbus?
About $60,923 a year gives the same standard of living in Milwaukee.
Where do people earn more, Columbus or Milwaukee?
The typical household earns $71,269 in Columbus and $58,491 in Milwaukee, 22% more in Columbus.