Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Milwaukee is 13% more affordable than Tempe. A $75,000 salary in Tempe is equivalent to $65,094 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 Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Milwaukee costs $175,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $225,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Milwaukee versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Milwaukee scores 100 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Milwaukee (102) are higher than Tempe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Milwaukee is $44,044 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Milwaukee.
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