Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Milwaukee is 17% more affordable than Reno. A $75,000 salary in Reno is equivalent to $62,162 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 · Nevada salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Milwaukee has a housing index of 80 while Reno sits at 133 (national average = 100). The median home in Milwaukee costs $175,000 compared to $450,000 in Reno, a difference of $275,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Milwaukee versus $1,600 in Reno.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Milwaukee scores 100 while Reno scores 102. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Milwaukee (102) are higher than Reno (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Milwaukee is $44,044 compared to $61,648 in Reno. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Milwaukee.
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