Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
43% cheaper
Milwaukee is 43% more affordable than Boston. A $75,000 salary in Boston is equivalent to $42,593 in Milwaukee.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Massachusetts salaries · Wisconsin salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boston has a housing index of 242 while Milwaukee sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Boston costs $620,000 compared to $175,000 in Milwaukee, a difference of $445,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,800 in Boston versus $1,100 in Milwaukee.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Boston scores 108 while Milwaukee scores 100.
Healthcare costs in Boston (118) are higher than Milwaukee (102).
Median household income in Boston is $76,298 compared to $44,044 in Milwaukee. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Milwaukee.
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