Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Milwaukee is 12% more affordable than Provo. A $75,000 salary in Provo is equivalent to $66,346 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 · Utah salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Milwaukee has a housing index of 80 while Provo sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Milwaukee costs $175,000 compared to $380,000 in Provo, a difference of $205,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Milwaukee versus $1,300 in Provo.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Milwaukee scores 100 while Provo scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Milwaukee (102) are higher than Provo (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Milwaukee is $44,044 compared to $51,048 in Provo. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Milwaukee.
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