Moving from Milwaukee to Lima (2026)

Lima has a COL index of 40 vs 89 for Milwaukee (100 = US average). You'd pay about 55% less for the same lifestyle.

Save ~$1,331/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
89 โ†’ 40
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,350 โ†’ $500
per month
State tax
7.7% โ†’ None
income tax
COL difference
89 โ†’ 40
55% cheaper

Salary needed in Lima to match your Milwaukee lifestyle

Based on the 55% cost of living decrease between the two cities.

Your salary in MilwaukeeEquivalent in Lima
$40K$17,978
$50K$22,472
$60K$26,966
$75K$33,708
$80K$35,955
$100K$44,944
$120K$53,933
$150K$67,416

Adjust your salary

Save ~$915/moon core expenses at $75K

Monthly budget at $75K โ€” Milwaukee vs Lima

ExpenseMilwaukeeLima
Monthly take-home$4,259$4,741
1BR rent$1,350$500
Groceries$372$380
Transport$72$150
Utilities$168$55
Internet$63$25
Left after essentials$2,234$3,631

30-Year Wealth Builder

If you invest your monthly savings of $915 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:

$1,116,273

over 30 years compared to staying in Milwaukee โ€” that's the real price of a city.

$915/mo invested

Frequently asked questions

Is Lima cheaper than Milwaukee?

Yes. Lima has a cost of living index of 40 vs 89 for Milwaukee (100 = US average). That's about 55% cheaper.

How much will I save moving from Milwaukee to Lima?

On a $75K salary, moving from Milwaukee to Lima saves roughly $1,331/month on core expenses. That's ~$15,972/year.

What salary do I need in Lima to match my Milwaukee lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Milwaukee, you'd need roughly $33,708/year in Lima. 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 ยท BLS ยท Numbeo ยท For general guidance only