Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
25% cheaper
Milwaukee is 25% more affordable than Scottsdale. A $75,000 salary in Scottsdale is equivalent to $56,098 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 Scottsdale sits at 162 (national average = 100). The median home in Milwaukee costs $175,000 compared to $580,000 in Scottsdale, a difference of $405,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Milwaukee versus $2,000 in Scottsdale.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Milwaukee scores 100 while Scottsdale scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Milwaukee (102) are higher than Scottsdale (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Milwaukee is $44,044 compared to $92,298 in Scottsdale. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Milwaukee.
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