Moving from Madison to Milwaukee (2026)
Milwaukee has a COL index of 89 vs 97 for Madison (100 = US average). You'd pay about 8% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Milwaukee to match your Madison lifestyle
Based on the 8% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Madison | Equivalent in Milwaukee |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,701 |
| $50K | $45,876 |
| $60K | $55,052 |
| $75K | $68,814 |
| $80K | $73,402 |
| $100K | $91,753 |
| $120K | $110,103 |
| $150K | $137,629 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Madison vs Milwaukee
| Expense | Madison | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,259 | $4,259 |
| 1BR rent | $1,650 | $1,350 |
| Groceries | $384 | $372 |
| Transport | $62 | $72 |
| Utilities | $162 | $168 |
| Internet | $63 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $1,938 | $2,234 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $296 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Madison — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Milwaukee cheaper than Madison?
Yes. Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 89 vs 97 for Madison (100 = US average). That's about 8% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Madison to Milwaukee?
On a $75K salary, moving from Madison to Milwaukee saves roughly $300/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,600/year.
What salary do I need in Milwaukee to match my Madison lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Madison, you'd need roughly $68,814/year in Milwaukee. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only