Question 1

Is Des Moines or Milwaukee cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Des Moines, IA is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $112/month less than in Milwaukee, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,318/mo in Des Moines versus $1,338/mo in Milwaukee.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Des Moines vs Milwaukee?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $64,500/year before tax in Des Moines, IA and $67,500/year in Milwaukee, WI — a difference of about $3,000. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Des Moines or Milwaukee cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Des Moines, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $8,227/month in Des Moines and $9,373/month in Milwaukee, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Des Moines or Milwaukee?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Des Moines 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	Des Moines69	Milwaukee64
Est. monthly cost (single)	$3,608	$3,720
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$8,227	$9,373
Salary for comfort	$64,500/yr	$67,500/yr
Typical rent	$1,318	$1,338
Median home value	$183,700	$172,000
Median household income	$63,966	$51,888
Unemployment	3.5%	4.8%
Housing score	84	60
Jobs score	84	52
Safety score	30	41
Climate score	81	70
Amenities score	38	65
Population	212.5K	569.8K
Summer high / winter low	86° / 14°	80° / 16°

Des Moines, IA vs Milwaukee, WI