Moving from Tacoma to Milwaukee (2026)
Milwaukee has a COL index of 89 vs 114 for Tacoma (100 = US average). You'd pay about 22% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$545/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
11489
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,900$1,350
per month
State tax
None7.7%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,741$4,259
per month
Salary needed in Milwaukee to match your Tacoma lifestyle
Based on the 22% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Tacoma | Equivalent in Milwaukee |
|---|---|
| $40K | $31,228 |
| $50K | $39,035 |
| $60K | $46,842 |
| $75K | $58,553 |
| $80K | $62,456 |
| $100K | $78,070 |
| $120K | $93,684 |
| $150K | $117,105 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Tacoma vs Milwaukee
| Expense | Tacoma | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,259 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,350 |
| Groceries | $399 | $372 |
| Transport | $90 | $72 |
| Utilities | $118 | $168 |
| Internet | $63 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $2,171 | $2,234 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Milwaukee cheaper than Tacoma?
Yes. Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 89 vs 114 for Tacoma (100 = US average). That's about 22% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Tacoma to Milwaukee?
On a $75K salary, moving from Tacoma to Milwaukee could save roughly $545/month on core expenses. That's ~$6,540/year.
What salary do I need in Milwaukee to match my Tacoma lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Tacoma, you'd need roughly $58,553/year in Milwaukee. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Milwaukee to TacomaTacoma vs Milwaukee — full comparisonTacoma cost of livingMilwaukee cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only