Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Milwaukee is 8% more affordable than Charlotte. A $75,000 salary in Charlotte is equivalent to $69,000 in Milwaukee.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Wisconsin salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charlotte has a housing index of 99 while Milwaukee sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $175,000 in Milwaukee, a difference of $155,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $1,100 in Milwaukee.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charlotte scores 101 while Milwaukee scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) are higher than Milwaukee (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $44,044 in Milwaukee. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Milwaukee.
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