Quick answer
Overall prices in the Indianapolis, IN metro were 95.7 vs 96.9 in Milwaukee, WI in 2024 (US = 100), so Indianapolis is 1.3% less expensive than Milwaukee; housing rents differ by 8% (88.9 vs 97.1). A $75,000 income in Indianapolis buys about what $75,973 buys in Milwaukee, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Indianapolis | Milwaukee | Indianapolis vs Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 95.7 | 96.9 | -1.3% |
| Goods | 94.3 | 93.8 | +0.6% |
| Housing (rents) | 88.9 | 97.1 | -8.4% |
| Utilities | 86.4 | 91.6 | -5.7% |
| Other services | 99.1 | 99.4 | -0.3% |
| All items, 2008 | 96.7 | 97.7 | -1.0% |
| $50,000 in Indianapolis equals in Milwaukee | $50,648 | ||
| $100,000 in Indianapolis equals in Milwaukee | $101,297 | ||
| $150,000 in Indianapolis equals in Milwaukee | $151,945 |
Related
- Cost of living: Indianapolis, IN vs Louisville/Jefferson County, KY (2024)
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- Cost of living: Minneapolis, MN vs Indianapolis, IN (2024)
- Cost of living: Indianapolis, IN vs Nashville, TN (2024)
- Cost of living: Indianapolis, IN vs New Orleans, LA (2024)
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.