Moving from Minneapolis to Milwaukee (2026)
Milwaukee has a COL index of 89 vs 106 for Minneapolis (100 = US average). You'd pay about 16% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Milwaukee to match your Minneapolis lifestyle
Based on the 16% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Minneapolis | Equivalent in Milwaukee |
|---|---|
| $40K | $33,585 |
| $50K | $41,981 |
| $60K | $50,377 |
| $75K | $62,972 |
| $80K | $67,170 |
| $100K | $83,962 |
| $120K | $100,755 |
| $150K | $125,943 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Minneapolis vs Milwaukee
| Expense | Minneapolis | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,122 | $4,259 |
| 1BR rent | $1,700 | $1,350 |
| Groceries | $391 | $372 |
| Transport | $95 | $72 |
| Utilities | $195 | $168 |
| Internet | $65 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $1,676 | $2,234 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $421 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Minneapolis — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Milwaukee cheaper than Minneapolis?
Yes. Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 89 vs 106 for Minneapolis (100 = US average). That's about 16% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Minneapolis to Milwaukee?
On a $75K salary, moving from Minneapolis to Milwaukee saves roughly $488/month on core expenses. That's ~$5,856/year.
What salary do I need in Milwaukee to match my Minneapolis lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Minneapolis, you'd need roughly $62,972/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