55
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
📋 New York vs Milwaukee — The Verdict
Milwaukee scores 72.8/100 compared to New York's 55.2/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Milwaukee has a clear edge with home prices 78% 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 78% lower — a difference of $574,300 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Milwaukee saves you $732/month — that's $8,784 per year.
💵
Households in New York earn $26,874 more per year (54% higher median income).
📊
Milwaukee has a 1.5 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
Median Home Value
$732,100
$157,800
Median Rent /mo
$1,714
$982
Median Income
$76,607
$49,733
The affordability gap is significant — Milwaukee offers home prices 78% lower than New York, translating to $574,300 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)
0
14 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
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 New York to Milwaukee: Common Questions
Is New York or Milwaukee cheaper to live in?
Milwaukee is more affordable overall. Home prices are $574,300 lower in Milwaukee. Monthly rent is $982 in Milwaukee vs $1,714 in New York.
Does New York or Milwaukee have better weather?
New York scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is New York or Milwaukee better for finding a job?
Milwaukee currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in New York vs 3.1% in Milwaukee. Median household income is $76,607 in New York and $49,733 in Milwaukee.
Which city is safer — New York or Milwaukee?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Milwaukee is safer. New York has had 9 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 8 in Milwaukee. New York scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Milwaukee.
Should I move from New York to Milwaukee?
Based on our data, Milwaukee scores 72.8/100 vs New York's 55.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Milwaukee is more affordable, while New York has a better climate.
Planning to move from New York to Milwaukee?
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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.