Is Milwaukee expensive to live in?
Median income: $45,191. Median rent: $900. Median home price: $165,000.
Relocation guide · Wisconsin
Moving to Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee, WI city guide. Population is 577,222. Median household income is $45,191. Median rent is $900.
Median Rent
$900/mo
Median Income
$45,191
State Tax
7.65%
Population
577,222
Cost of living
What you'll spend in Milwaukee
Median income: $45,191. Median rent: $900. Median home price: $165,000.
Median Rent/mo
$900
Median Home Price
$165,000
Median Income
$45,191
Rent-to-Income
24%
Taxes
Your tax situation in Wisconsin
State tax rate: 7.65%. Local tax rate: 5.5%.
State Income Tax
7.65%
Local Tax Rate
5.50%
Climate
Weather in Milwaukee
Average high: 55°F. Average low: 37°F. Annual rainfall: 35 inches. Sunny days: 188.
Avg High Temp
55°F
Avg Low Temp
37°F
Sunny Days/yr
188
Annual Rainfall
35"
Relocation checklist
Before you move to Milwaukee
Use this checklist to stay organized during your move.
- ✓Research neighborhoods and commute routes
- ✓Compare rent vs buying based on your timeline
- ✓Check state income tax impact on your salary
- ✓Verify employer presence or remote work infrastructure
- ✓Review health insurance and healthcare options
- ✓Update driver's license and vehicle registration
- ✓Transfer voter registration to new state
- ✓Find a local bank or update your address
- ✓Research school districts if moving with children
- ✓Get quotes from at least 3 moving companies
Considering other cities?
Compare Milwaukee with similar cities
Frequently asked questions about moving to Milwaukee
What is the average rent in Milwaukee?
The median rent in Milwaukee is $900/month. Median home price is $165,000. Many newcomers rent for the first year to learn the neighborhoods before buying.
Does Wisconsin have a state income tax?
State tax rate: 7.65%. Local tax rate: 5.5%.
What is Milwaukee known for?
Milwaukee, WI city guide. Population is 577,222. Median household income is $45,191. Median rent is $900.
What should I know before moving to Milwaukee?
Research neighborhoods carefully — Milwaukee has significant variation in cost and lifestyle by area.
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and NOAA. Updated 2026.