63
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
72
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Milwaukee wins 3–2
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Milwaukee wins 2–3 overall (72/100)
💰 Milwaukee is more affordable
💼 Milwaukee has lower unemployment
🛡️ Milwaukee has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Milwaukee — The Verdict
Milwaukee scores 72.8/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Milwaukee has a clear edge with home prices 48% lower. Milwaukee has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 3.1%. Milwaukee may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers and job seekers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Milwaukee are 48% lower — a difference of $146,700 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Milwaukee saves you $332/month — that's $3,984 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $21,940 more per year (44% higher median income).
📊
Milwaukee has a 1.5 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🌬️
Milwaukee has cleaner air with an AQI 46 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$157,800
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$982
Median Income
$71,673
$49,733
The affordability gap is significant — Milwaukee offers home prices 48% lower than Chicago, translating to $146,700 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
3.1%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Milwaukee having a slight edge at 3.1% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
14 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Milwaukee wins on air quality with an AQI 46 points lower. For allergy sufferers, families with young children, or anyone with respiratory concerns, this difference is medically significant.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
10
8
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Milwaukee: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Milwaukee cheaper to live in?
Milwaukee is more affordable overall. Home prices are $146,700 lower in Milwaukee. Monthly rent is $982 in Milwaukee vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Milwaukee have better weather?
Chicago scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Chicago or Milwaukee better for finding a job?
Milwaukee currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 3.1% in Milwaukee. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $49,733 in Milwaukee.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Milwaukee?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Milwaukee is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 8 in Milwaukee. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Milwaukee.
Should I move from Chicago to Milwaukee?
Based on our data, Milwaukee scores 72.8/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Milwaukee is more affordable, while Chicago has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.