Quick answer
Overall prices in the Seattle, WA metro were 111.1 vs 96.9 in Milwaukee, WI in 2024 (US = 100), so Seattle is 14.6% more expensive than Milwaukee; housing rents differ by 56% (151.3 vs 97.1). A $75,000 income in Seattle buys about what $65,420 buys in Milwaukee, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Seattle | Milwaukee | Seattle vs Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 111.1 | 96.9 | +14.6% |
| Goods | 104.0 | 93.8 | +10.9% |
| Housing (rents) | 151.3 | 97.1 | +55.8% |
| Utilities | 92.8 | 91.6 | +1.3% |
| Other services | 106.8 | 99.4 | +7.5% |
| All items, 2008 | 109.1 | 97.7 | +11.7% |
| $50,000 in Seattle equals in Milwaukee | $43,613 | ||
| $100,000 in Seattle equals in Milwaukee | $87,226 | ||
| $150,000 in Seattle equals in Milwaukee | $130,839 |
Related
- Cost of living: San Diego, CA vs Milwaukee, WI (2024)
- Cost of living: San Francisco, CA vs Milwaukee, WI (2024)
- Cost of living: San Jose, CA vs Milwaukee, WI (2024)
- Cost of living: St. Louis, MO vs Milwaukee, WI (2024)
- Cost of living: Tampa, FL vs Milwaukee, WI (2024)
- Cost of living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Milwaukee, WI (2024)
- Cost of living: Washington, DC vs Milwaukee, WI (2024)
- Cost of living: Minneapolis, MN vs Nashville, TN (2024)
Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.