Question 1

Is Chicago or Milwaukee cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Milwaukee, WI is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $573/month less than in Chicago, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,781/mo in Chicago versus $1,338/mo in Milwaukee.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Chicago vs Milwaukee?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $81,000/year before tax in Chicago, IL and $67,500/year in Milwaukee, WI — a difference of about $13,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Chicago or Milwaukee cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Milwaukee, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $9,545/month in Chicago and $9,373/month in Milwaukee, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Chicago or Milwaukee?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Milwaukee costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Chicago61	Milwaukee64
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,293	$3,720
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$9,545	$9,373
Salary for comfort	$81,000/yr	$67,500/yr
Typical rent	$1,781	$1,338
Median home value	$315,200	$172,000
Median household income	$75,134	$51,888
Unemployment	5.9%	4.8%
Housing score	52	60
Jobs score	7	52
Safety score	66	41
Climate score	89	70
Amenities score	73	65
Population	2.7M	569.8K
Summer high / winter low	85° / 21°	80° / 16°

Chicago, IL vs Milwaukee, WI