Milwaukee vs Raleigh
Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data
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Raleigh is 11% more expensive than Milwaukee overall.Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 95 vs Raleigh at 105 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing — Raleigh costs 26% less.

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Milwaukee
WI
95
COLI index
VS
Raleigh
NC
105
COLI index
Category Breakdown
| Category | Milwaukee | Raleigh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall COLI | 95 | 105 | +11% |
| Housing | 105 | 132 | +26% |
| Groceries | 101 | 104 | +3% |
| Transport | 104 | 107 | +3% |
| Healthcare | 101 | 102 | +1% |
| Utilities | 106 | 101 | -5% |
Median 1BR Rent
Milwaukee
$1,050/mo
Raleigh
$1,600/mo
Median Home Price
Milwaukee
$195,000
Raleigh
$390,000
Median Household Income
Milwaukee
$45,389
Raleigh
$72,428
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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.