Madison vs Milwaukee: Cost of Living Compared (2026)
Updated Jun 2026 (3 months ago) · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Energy Information Administration
| Metric | Madison | Milwaukee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | $1,277 | $878 | +37% |
| Median household income | $78,050 | $54,234 | +36% |
| Grocery cost index | 94.3 | 94.3 | — |
| Utilities (monthly) | $176 | $176 | — |
Salary equivalent between cities
Equivalent salary needed
$85,020
- Difference
- $5,020