Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
25% cheaper
Milwaukee is 25% more affordable than Fort Lauderdale. A $75,000 salary in Fort Lauderdale is equivalent to $56,557 in Milwaukee.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · Wisconsin salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fort Lauderdale has a housing index of 155 while Milwaukee sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Lauderdale costs $380,000 compared to $175,000 in Milwaukee, a difference of $205,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Fort Lauderdale versus $1,100 in Milwaukee.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Fort Lauderdale scores 106 while Milwaukee scores 100.
Healthcare costs in Fort Lauderdale (99) are lower than Milwaukee (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $54,468 compared to $44,044 in Milwaukee. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Milwaukee.
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