Question 1

Is Milwaukee or Oklahoma City cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Oklahoma City, OK is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $83/month less than in Milwaukee, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,338/mo in Milwaukee versus $1,244/mo in Oklahoma City.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Milwaukee vs Oklahoma City?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $67,500/year before tax in Milwaukee, WI and $66,000/year in Oklahoma City, OK — a difference of about $1,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Milwaukee or Oklahoma City cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Oklahoma City, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $9,373/month in Milwaukee and $8,589/month in Oklahoma City, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Milwaukee or Oklahoma City?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Oklahoma City 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	Milwaukee64	Oklahoma City75
Est. monthly cost (single)	$3,720	$3,637
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$9,373	$8,589
Salary for comfort	$67,500/yr	$66,000/yr
Typical rent	$1,338	$1,244
Median home value	$172,000	$215,100
Median household income	$51,888	$66,702
Unemployment	4.8%	4.3%
Housing score	60	86
Jobs score	52	44
Safety score	41	70
Climate score	70	96
Amenities score	65	55
Population	569.8K	688.7K
Summer high / winter low	80° / 16°	94° / 29°

Milwaukee, WI vs Oklahoma City, OK