67
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
72
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Madison wins 3–2
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Milwaukee wins 3–2 overall (72/100)
💰 Milwaukee is more affordable
💼 Milwaukee has lower unemployment
🛡️ Madison has fewer disasters
📋 Madison vs Milwaukee — The Verdict
Madison scores 67.2/100 compared to Milwaukee's 72.8/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Milwaukee has a clear edge with home prices 52% lower. Milwaukee may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers and job seekers. Madison may be the better fit for job seekers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Milwaukee are 52% lower — a difference of $168,800 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Milwaukee saves you $309/month — that's $3,708 per year.
💵
Households in Madison earn $25,162 more per year (51% higher median income).
🌬️
Milwaukee has cleaner air with an AQI 51 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
Median Home Value
$326,600
$157,800
Median Rent /mo
$1,291
$982
Median Income
$74,895
$49,733
The affordability gap is significant — Milwaukee offers home prices 52% lower than Madison, translating to $168,800 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
3.1%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
65 Moderate
14 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Milwaukee wins on air quality with an AQI 51 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.
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Madison to Milwaukee: Common Questions
Is Madison or Milwaukee cheaper to live in?
Milwaukee is more affordable overall. Home prices are $168,800 lower in Milwaukee. Monthly rent is $982 in Milwaukee vs $1,291 in Madison.
Does Madison or Milwaukee have better weather?
Madison scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Madison or Milwaukee better for finding a job?
Milwaukee currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 3.1% in Madison vs 3.1% in Milwaukee. Median household income is $74,895 in Madison and $49,733 in Milwaukee.
Which city is safer — Madison or Milwaukee?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Madison is safer. Madison has had 7 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 8 in Milwaukee. Madison scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Milwaukee.
Should I move from Madison to Milwaukee?
Based on our data, Milwaukee scores 72.8/100 vs Madison's 67.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Milwaukee is more affordable, while Madison 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.