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Cost of living: Detroit, MI vs Milwaukee, WI (2024)

Quick answer

Overall prices in the Detroit, MI metro were 100.3 vs 96.9 in Milwaukee, WI in 2024 (US = 100), so Detroit is 3.5% more expensive than Milwaukee; housing rents differ by 2% (94.7 vs 97.1). A $75,000 income in Detroit buys about what $72,487 buys in Milwaukee, per BEA.

✓ U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024

Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024

Price index (US = 100)DetroitMilwaukeeDetroit vs Milwaukee
All items100.396.9+3.5%
Goods98.893.8+5.4%
Housing (rents)94.797.1-2.5%
Utilities107.091.6+16.8%
Other services102.699.4+3.2%
All items, 2008100.697.7+2.9%
$50,000 in Detroit equals in Milwaukee$48,324
$100,000 in Detroit equals in Milwaukee$96,649
$150,000 in Detroit equals in Milwaukee$144,973

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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.

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