Milwaukee vs Green Bay for Retirees (2026)
Scroll down for retirement income tax breakdown, healthcare estimates, and FAQ.
Your move simulator
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Estimated annual swing
−$1,547/yr
Favoring Green Bay for this income & household (illustrative).
With an extra $129/mo in Green Bay, you could max a Roth IRA contribution faster and still grow your savings buffer.
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High-yield savings
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Even $129/mo extra earns meaningfully at 4–5% APY vs near-zero in checking.
Home + auto bundle
New state — compare rates before you sign
Moving to Green Bay resets your insurance profile. Bundling home + auto often saves 15–25%.
Supplemental health
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Health coverage varies by state. Review Medigap plans available in your new zip before moving.
Full retirement cost breakdown
| Metric | Milwaukee Wisconsin | Green Bay Wisconsin | Your impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR rent / month | $1,350 | $1,250Better | $1,200/yr saves in Green |
| Median home price | $260K | $225KBetter | — |
| State income tax | 7.7%Better | 7.7% | — |
| Sales tax (combined) | 5.4%Better | 5.4% | — |
| Monthly utilities | $168 | $158Better | $120/yr saves in Green |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 98 | 96Better | — |
| Est. healthcare / month | $445 | $430Better | $180/yr saves in Green |
| Walk score (0–100) | 62 / 100Better | 30 / 100 | — |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 89 | 86Better | — |
Complete the Picture
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Mortgages
See what you can afford in Green Bay
Compare rates from top lenders before your move — pre-approval is free and won't affect your score.
Home & Auto Insurance
Bundle before you move — save 15–25%
New state means new rates. Lock in Green Bay homeowners + auto quotes before your move date.
Moving Rewards Card
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Average family spends $6,200 on a move. These cards pay 2–4% back + 0% intro APR on purchases.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for retirement — Milwaukee or Green Bay?
Based on home prices, taxes on retirement income, walkability, and overall cost of living, Green Bay scores better for retirees. Median home prices are $260K in Milwaukee vs $225K in Green Bay. Green Bay is approximately 3% cheaper overall. The best choice still depends on climate, healthcare access, and proximity to family.
Is retirement income taxed in Milwaukee or Green Bay?
Green Bay has the lower state income tax rate (7.7% 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 Green Bay?
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 $430 in Green Bay. That's a difference of ~$15/month, or ~$180/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 30 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 $48K/year in Green Bay
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