Milwaukee vs Des Moines for Retirees (2026)
Scroll down for retirement income tax breakdown, healthcare estimates, and FAQ.
Full retirement cost breakdown
| Metric | Milwaukee Wisconsin | Des Moines Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR rent / month | $1,350 | $1,200Better |
| Median home price | $260K | $255KBetter |
| State income tax | 7.7% | 5.7%Better |
| Sales tax (combined) | 5.4%Better | 6.9% |
| Monthly utilities | $168 | $155Better |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 98 | 96Better |
| Est. healthcare / month | $445 | $435Better |
| Walk score (0–100) | 62 / 100Better | 36 / 100 |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 89 | 87Better |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for retirement — Milwaukee or Des Moines?
Based on home prices, taxes on retirement income, walkability, and overall cost of living, Des Moines scores better for retirees. Median home prices are $260K in Milwaukee vs $255K in Des Moines. Des Moines is approximately 2% cheaper overall. The best choice still depends on climate, healthcare access, and proximity to family.
Is retirement income taxed in Milwaukee or Des Moines?
Des Moines has the lower state income tax rate (5.7% vs 7.7%). Note that many states exempt Social Security income and some pension income from state taxes even when other income is taxed — check your specific state's retirement tax rules.
What is the estimated monthly healthcare cost in Milwaukee vs Des Moines?
Based on national average retiree healthcare spending (~$500/month) scaled by each city's cost-of-living index, estimated monthly healthcare costs are approximately $445 in Milwaukee and $435 in Des Moines. That's a difference of ~$10/month, or ~$120/year. Actual costs vary based on your Medicare plan, supplements, and health needs.
Can I afford to retire in Milwaukee on a $50,000 annual income?
On a $50,000/year ($4,167/month) retirement income in Milwaukee, rent alone would consume approximately 32% of your budget (1BR rent ~$1,350/mo) and healthcare another ~11%. That leaves roughly 57% (~$2,375/mo) for groceries, transportation, and other expenses. This is tight — a studio apartment or lower-cost neighborhood would help.
Which city is more walkable for retirees?
Milwaukee has a higher walk score (62 vs 36 out of 100). Walkability is increasingly important for retirees who want to reduce car dependence — a score above 70 means most daily errands can be done on foot. Milwaukee offers more independence without a car, which also reduces transportation costs.
$50K/year in Milwaukee has the same purchasing power as $49K/year in Des Moines
Healthcare estimates based on national avg retiree spending (~$500/mo) scaled by COL index · State income tax rates from Tax Foundation · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026