Cost of Living in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin

$1,069/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$216,500

Median Home Value

20% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,069/mo

20% above state average

Median Home Value

$216,500

23% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

29.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Milwaukee County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Milwaukee County$1,069/mo

Wisconsin Average$891/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,069/mo

Median Gross Rent

$216,500

Median Home Value

$1,332/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

29.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin

Milwaukee's rent burden exceeds national norms

Milwaukee County residents spend 20.6% of their income on rent, well above the national benchmark where housing should consume no more than 30% of income. However, Milwaukee's median household income of $62,118 trails the national median of $74,755 by nearly $13,000, making every housing dollar feel heavier.

Least affordable rentals in Wisconsin

Milwaukee County ranks among the least affordable counties in Wisconsin for renters, with a 20.6% rent-to-income ratio that significantly exceeds the state average of 14.9%. At $1,069 per month, median rent is $178 higher than Wisconsin's typical rent of $891.

Pricier than surrounding counties

Milwaukee County's $1,069 median rent substantially outpaces nearby Monroe County ($920) and Ozaukee County to the north ($1,112). Renters in Milwaukee pay roughly $150 more monthly than those in comparable Outagamie County ($998), adding up to nearly $1,800 annually.

Rent and ownership costs squeeze budgets

With median gross rent at $1,069 and median owner costs at $1,332 monthly, Milwaukee County households dedicate a substantial share to housing. The typical renter spends over $12,800 annually on housing alone, leaving less for savings, childcare, and other essentials.

Considering a move? Compare your options

If housing costs are straining your Milwaukee County budget, neighboring Oconto or Pepin counties offer significantly lower rents ($796 and $860 respectively) while maintaining similar median home values. Running the numbers before relocating could free up hundreds of dollars monthly for your family's priorities.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Milwaukee County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

20.7%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,449

per month

Owner Cost Burden

25.7%

of gross income

The median home in Milwaukee County may be a stretch

Median home value is $216,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,728 vs. your max of $1,449.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio20.7%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin?

Milwaukee County, Wisconsin has a median monthly rent of $1,069/mo and a median home value of $216,500. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 29.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Milwaukee County?

The median gross rent in Milwaukee County is $1,069/mo. This is 20% above state average for Wisconsin.

Is Milwaukee County affordable?

Milwaukee County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 29.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Milwaukee County's rent compare to the state average?

Milwaukee County's median rent of $1,069/mo is 20% above state average of $891/mo for Wisconsin.

What is the median home value in Milwaukee County?

The median home value in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin is $216,500. This is 23% below the national median home value of $281,900.