Moving from Tempe to Milwaukee (2026)
Milwaukee has a COL index of 89 vs 103 for Tempe (100 = US average). You'd pay about 14% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$282/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10389
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,600$1,350
per month
State tax
2.5%7.7%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,584$4,259
per month
Salary needed in Milwaukee to match your Tempe lifestyle
Based on the 14% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Tempe | Equivalent in Milwaukee |
|---|---|
| $40K | $34,563 |
| $50K | $43,204 |
| $60K | $51,845 |
| $75K | $64,806 |
| $80K | $69,126 |
| $100K | $86,408 |
| $120K | $103,689 |
| $150K | $129,612 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Tempe vs Milwaukee
| Expense | Tempe | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,584 | $4,259 |
| 1BR rent | $1,600 | $1,350 |
| Groceries | $380 | $372 |
| Transport | $55 | $72 |
| Utilities | $210 | $168 |
| Internet | $62 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $2,277 | $2,234 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Milwaukee cheaper than Tempe?
Yes. Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 89 vs 103 for Tempe (100 = US average). That's about 14% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Tempe to Milwaukee?
On a $75K salary, moving from Tempe to Milwaukee could save roughly $282/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,384/year.
What salary do I need in Milwaukee to match my Tempe lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Tempe, you'd need roughly $64,806/year in Milwaukee. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Milwaukee to TempeTempe vs Milwaukee — full comparisonTempe 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