Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
29% cheaper
Milwaukee is 29% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $53,077 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 · Oregon salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Milwaukee has a housing index of 80 while Portland sits at 168 (national average = 100). The median home in Milwaukee costs $175,000 compared to $480,000 in Portland, a difference of $305,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Milwaukee versus $1,800 in Portland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Milwaukee scores 100 while Portland scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Milwaukee (102) are lower than Portland (108).
Median household income in Milwaukee is $44,044 compared to $71,005 in Portland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Milwaukee.
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