Pewaukee, WI vs South Milwaukee, WI

South Milwaukee is moderately more affordable than Pewaukee, with a 14.9% lower cost of living index. Pewaukee scores 94 compared to 82 for South Milwaukee, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Pewaukee can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Pewaukee is $1,281/month compared to $1,014/month in South Milwaukee — a 26% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: South Milwaukee is more affordable at $216,400 median vs $266,300.

Median household income in Pewaukee is $62,380 compared to $70,146 in South Milwaukee (-11.1%). South Milwaukee offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Pewaukee spend roughly 24.6% of their income on rent, more than the 17.3% in South Milwaukee.