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Milwaukee vs Hartford

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Hartford is 23% more expensive than Milwaukee overall.Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 95 vs Hartford at 117 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing Hartford costs 45% less.

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Milwaukee
WI
95
COLI index
VS
Hartford
CT
117
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategoryMilwaukeeHartfordDifference
Overall COLI95117+23%
Housing105152+45%
Groceries101107+6%
Transport104106+2%
Healthcare101109+8%
Utilities106138+30%

Median 1BR Rent

Milwaukee
$1,050/mo
Hartford
$1,450/mo

Median Home Price

Milwaukee
$195,000
Hartford
$240,000

Median Household Income

Milwaukee
$45,389
Hartford
$43,900

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Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee is cheaper to live in overall. Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 95 while Hartford has an index of 117, where 100 represents the US national average. Hartford is 23% more expensive than Milwaukee overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Milwaukee is $1,050 per month compared to $1,450 in Hartford. The median home price in Milwaukee is $195,000 versus $240,000 in Hartford. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 95 and Hartford has an index of 117, both measured against a US national average of 100. An index above 100 means more expensive than the national average — below 100 means cheaper.

To maintain the same purchasing power as a salary in Milwaukee, multiply by 1.23. For example a $75,000 salary in Milwaukee is equivalent to approximately $92,368 in Hartford.

Milwaukee has a median household income of $45,389 per year versus $43,900 in Hartford. Higher incomes must be weighed against cost of living. Use the Dayblip salary tools to see specific job salaries in both cities.

Whether moving from Milwaukee to Hartford is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Hartford is 23% more expensive overall — with the biggest difference in housing. Use the Dayblip cost of living calculator to enter your specific salary and see the exact dollar impact.

Last updated: June 2026

Methodology: Cost of living indices from C2ER Cost of Living Index 2024-2025. Rent data from Zillow December 2024. Home price data from Zillow Home Value Index December 2024. Household income from US Census Bureau ACS 2023. National average COLI = 100. Data updated annually.