Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Milwaukee is 8% more affordable than Phoenix. A $75,000 salary in Phoenix 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: Wisconsin salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Milwaukee has a housing index of 80 while Phoenix sits at 102 (national average = 100). The median home in Milwaukee costs $175,000 compared to $350,000 in Phoenix, a difference of $175,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Milwaukee versus $1,400 in Phoenix.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Milwaukee scores 100 while Phoenix scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Milwaukee (102) are higher than Phoenix (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Milwaukee is $44,044 compared to $57,459 in Phoenix. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Milwaukee.
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