Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Milwaukee is 14% more affordable than Atlanta. A $75,000 salary in Atlanta is equivalent to $64,486 in Milwaukee.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Georgia salaries · Wisconsin salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Atlanta has a housing index of 113 while Milwaukee sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Atlanta costs $350,000 compared to $175,000 in Milwaukee, a difference of $175,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Atlanta versus $1,100 in Milwaukee.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Atlanta scores 104 while Milwaukee scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Atlanta (101) are lower than Milwaukee (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Atlanta is $59,948 compared to $44,044 in Milwaukee. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Milwaukee.
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