Brookfield, WI vs West Allis, WI

The cost of living difference between Brookfield, WI and West Allis, WI is dramatic. West Allis is 53% cheaper than Brookfield, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Brookfield has a cost index of 122 while West Allis sits at 80, 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 $1,012/month in West Allis — a 77% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: West Allis is more affordable at $191,700 median vs $419,300.

Median household income in Brookfield is $124,026 compared to $69,685 in West Allis (+78%). 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, less than the 17.4% in West Allis.