Can I Afford to Live in Milwaukee vs Columbus on $150K?
Here's how a $150K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Milwaukee WI | Columbus OH |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $7,981 | $8,569 |
| 1BR rent | $1,350 | $1,250 |
| Groceries (est.) | $372 | $361 |
| Transport (est.) | $72 | $62 |
| Utilities | $168 | $155 |
| Internet | $63 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $5,956/month | $6,681/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $150K a good salary in Milwaukee?
At $150K/year in Milwaukee, your estimated monthly take-home is $7,981. With 1BR rent around $1,350/month, rent takes up 17% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.
Is $150K a good salary in Columbus?
At $150K/year in Columbus, your estimated monthly take-home is $8,569. With 1BR rent around $1,250/month, rent takes up 15% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.
Which city is more affordable on a $150K salary?
Columbus leaves you with more money after core expenses — $6,681/month vs $5,956/month in Milwaukee.
Can I afford to live alone in Milwaukee on $150K?
Yes. At $150K in Milwaukee, rent takes 17% of your take-home, leaving $5,956/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.
See the full cost-of-living comparison
Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.
Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only