Quick answer
Overall prices in the Boston, MA metro were 108.3 vs 96.9 in Milwaukee, WI in 2024 (US = 100), so Boston is 11.7% more expensive than Milwaukee; housing rents differ by 53% (148.4 vs 97.1). A $75,000 income in Boston buys about what $67,152 buys in Milwaukee, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Boston | Milwaukee | Boston vs Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 108.3 | 96.9 | +11.7% |
| Goods | 99.7 | 93.8 | +6.3% |
| Housing (rents) | 148.4 | 97.1 | +52.8% |
| Utilities | 148.8 | 91.6 | +62.4% |
| Other services | 103.6 | 99.4 | +4.2% |
| All items, 2008 | 107.7 | 97.7 | +10.2% |
| $50,000 in Boston equals in Milwaukee | $44,768 | ||
| $100,000 in Boston equals in Milwaukee | $89,536 | ||
| $150,000 in Boston equals in Milwaukee | $134,304 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.