Moving from Wilmington to Milwaukee (2026)
Milwaukee has a COL index of 89 vs 93 for Wilmington (100 = US average). You'd pay about 4% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Milwaukee to match your Wilmington lifestyle
Based on the 4% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Wilmington | Equivalent in Milwaukee |
|---|---|
| $40K | $38,280 |
| $50K | $47,849 |
| $60K | $57,419 |
| $75K | $71,774 |
| $80K | $76,559 |
| $100K | $95,699 |
| $120K | $114,839 |
| $150K | $143,548 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Wilmington vs Milwaukee
| Expense | Wilmington | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,259 |
| 1BR rent | $1,550 | $1,350 |
| Groceries | $372 | $372 |
| Transport | $45 | $72 |
| Utilities | $158 | $168 |
| Internet | $62 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $2,272 | $2,234 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Milwaukee cheaper than Wilmington?
Yes. Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 89 vs 93 for Wilmington (100 = US average). That's about 4% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Wilmington to Milwaukee?
On a $75K salary, moving from Wilmington to Milwaukee could save roughly $162/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,944/year.
What salary do I need in Milwaukee to match my Wilmington lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Wilmington, you'd need roughly $71,774/year in Milwaukee. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
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