Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Milwaukee is 14% more affordable than Springfield. A $75,000 salary in Springfield is equivalent to $64,486 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 · Massachusetts salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Milwaukee has a housing index of 80 while Springfield sits at 106 (national average = 100). The median home in Milwaukee costs $175,000 compared to $230,000 in Springfield, a difference of $55,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Milwaukee versus $1,200 in Springfield.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Milwaukee scores 100 while Springfield scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Milwaukee (102) are lower than Springfield (114).
Median household income in Milwaukee is $44,044 compared to $41,612 in Springfield. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Milwaukee.
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