Compare the cost of living in Chicago vs Milwaukee, including rent, salary, and affordability. This guide shows which city is cheaper and how living costs differ between Chicago and Milwaukee.
When comparing Chicago vs Milwaukee cost of living, key factors include rent prices, grocery costs, transport, and average salary. Use this comparison to decide which city offers better value.
The average salary in Chicago is $1,290 per week, compared to $1,156 in Milwaukee.
For more details, see salary in Chicago and cost of living in Chicago, as well as salary in Milwaukee.
| City | Weekly Salary |
|---|---|
| Chicago | $1,290 |
| Milwaukee | $1,156 |
| City | Cost Index | Rent Index |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago | 91 | 86 |
| Milwaukee | 82 | 77 |
Is Chicago cheaper than Milwaukee? Based on the data above, Milwaukee generally has lower living costs, especially in rent and daily expenses.
However, Chicago offers higher average salaries, which may offset the higher cost of living.
If you are looking for affordability, Milwaukee is generally the better option. If you prioritise higher income and job opportunities, Chicago may be more attractive.
Milwaukee generally looks cheaper based on the cost of living and rent data shown above.
Chicago has the higher weekly salary based on the salary comparison shown above.
This depends on income, rent budget, and lifestyle. Many users compare both salary and cost of living before deciding.
Explore more US city comparisons to see how living costs, rent, and salary levels change across different locations.