Brookfield, WI vs South Milwaukee, WI

The cost of living difference between Brookfield, WI and South Milwaukee, WI is dramatic. South Milwaukee is 49.1% cheaper than Brookfield, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Brookfield has a cost index of 122 while South Milwaukee sits at 82, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Brookfield is $1,794/month compared to $1,014/month in South Milwaukee — a 77% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: South Milwaukee is more affordable at $216,400 median vs $419,300.

Median household income in Brookfield is $124,026 compared to $70,146 in South Milwaukee (+76.8%). While Brookfield is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Brookfield spend roughly 17.4% of their income on rent, more than the 17.3% in South Milwaukee.