Metro Milwaukee
Cost of living
Metro Milwaukee’s cost of living is right at the national average, with a Q1 2024 index of 100.2 – measuring differences between areas in the costs of consumer goods and services for a mid-management standard of living. It is based on 57 items, for which prices are collected quarterly by each participating urban area. This puts Milwaukee in a sweet spot of affordability compared to coastal cities while maintaining a high quality of life.
Composite Cost of Living Index (Q1 2024)
Milwaukee Cost Categories
Metro Milwaukee Index
Key Insights
Milwaukee offers a balanced cost profile with some categories below the national average:
Transportation costs:
7% below average
Miscellaneous goods & services costs:
2% below average
Other categories rank slightly above average:
Housing costs: 103.5
Utilities costs: 101.2
Grocery costs: 101.0
Health care costs: 108.1
Why Milwaukee
offers value
For families and professionals considering relocation, Milwaukee presents several advantages:
- 1
Balanced cost profile: Milwaukee’s overall cost index sits precisely at the national average
- 2
Midwestern affordability: Significantly more affordable than coastal cities
- 3
Housing value: Housing costs only 3.5% above national average
- 4
Transportation savings: Transportation costs 7% below average
Regional context
When compared to nearby urban centers, Milwaukee presents an attractive value proposition:
Chicago
More expensive
Dallas
Similar
Indianapolis
More affordable
Housing costs
Milwaukee’s housing costs (103.5) are significantly more affordable than coastal cities:
Housing Cost of Living Index (Q1 2024)
- 80% lower than Manhattan (511.5)
- 56% lower than Los Angeles (233.3)
- 32% lower than Miami (153.3)
Understanding the Index
The Cost of Living Index measures regional differences in consumer goods and services prices based on 57 items collected quarterly across participating urban areas. It represents a mid-management standard of living, excluding taxes and non-consumer expenditures.
Looking Forward
While this data represents Q1 2024, the Cost of Living Index is updated quarterly. For the most current information, visit the Council for Community & Economic Research at www.c2er.org.