Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
3% cheaper
Detroit is 3% more affordable than Milwaukee. A $75,000 salary in Milwaukee is equivalent to $72,554 in Detroit.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · Wisconsin salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Detroit has a housing index of 60 while Milwaukee sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Detroit costs $65,000 compared to $175,000 in Milwaukee, a difference of $110,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Detroit versus $1,100 in Milwaukee.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Detroit scores 98 while Milwaukee scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Detroit (99) are lower than Milwaukee (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Detroit is $34,762 compared to $44,044 in Milwaukee. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Detroit.
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