Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
43% cheaper
Milwaukee is 43% more affordable than Jersey City. A $75,000 salary in Jersey City is equivalent to $42,593 in Milwaukee.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · Wisconsin salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jersey City has a housing index of 249 while Milwaukee sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Jersey City costs $540,000 compared to $175,000 in Milwaukee, a difference of $365,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,600 in Jersey City versus $1,100 in Milwaukee.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Jersey City scores 105 while Milwaukee scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jersey City (106) are higher than Milwaukee (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jersey City is $80,820 compared to $44,044 in Milwaukee. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Milwaukee.
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