Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
3% cheaper
Milwaukee is 3% more affordable than Jacksonville. A $75,000 salary in Jacksonville is equivalent to $72,632 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. Jacksonville has a housing index of 89 while Milwaukee sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Jacksonville costs $280,000 compared to $175,000 in Milwaukee, a difference of $105,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Jacksonville versus $1,100 in Milwaukee.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Jacksonville scores 101 while Milwaukee scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jacksonville (95) are lower than Milwaukee (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jacksonville is $53,025 compared to $44,044 in Milwaukee. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Milwaukee.
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