Moving from Chicago to Milwaukee?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your Chicago lifestyle in Milwaukee, you'd need to earn:
$70,176/year
▼ $4,824 less than you make now
| Category | Chicago | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $70,176 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$7,053 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$4,351 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$1,018 |
| State Tax | -$3,713 | -$3,133 |
| Take-Home Pay | $57,436 | $54,622 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is -6.4% in Milwaukee
- Housing is -13.3% in Milwaukee
- At the same $75,000 salary, you'd save $324/year in taxes in Milwaukee
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~81 miles
DIY Truck
$800
Container
$1,650
Full-Service
$2,500
Salary Equivalents: Chicago to Milwaukee
| Your Chicago Salary | Milwaukee Equivalent | Difference | Milwaukee Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $37,427 | -$2,573 | $30,596 |
| $50,000 | $46,784 | -$3,216 | $37,703 |
| $60,000 | $56,141 | -$3,859 | $44,759 |
| $75,000 | $70,176 | -$4,824 | $54,622 |
| $100,000 | $93,569 | -$6,431 | $69,839 |
| $150,000 | $140,353 | -$9,647 | $99,832 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How Chicago and Milwaukee Compare
Housing (13% cheaper in Milwaukee)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Milwaukee rents for $1,200/month compared to $1,975/month in Chicago. Median home prices: $290,000 in Milwaukee vs $374,000 in Chicago.
Taxes
Illinois has a flat 5.0% state income tax. Wisconsin has a progressive state income tax from 3.5% to 7.6%. On a $75,000 salary, moving to Milwaukee would save you about $324/year in taxes alone.
Overall Cost of Living
Milwaukee's overall cost of living is 6.4% lower than Chicago, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).Chicago: 103.6, Milwaukee: 96.9.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your Chicago to Milwaukee move. Average cost: $800–$2,500.
Compare Moving Quotes →Find Apartments in Milwaukee
Average 1BR rent in Milwaukee: $1,200/month. Browse available listings.
Search Apartments →High-Yield Savings
Park your moving fund in a 4.5%+ APY savings account while you plan your relocation.
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