South Milwaukee, WI vs Waukesha, WI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. South Milwaukee is 17.3% cheaper than Waukesha. With a cost index of 82 vs 99, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from South Milwaukee to Waukesha should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in South Milwaukee is $1,014/month compared to $1,167/month in Waukesha — a 13% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: South Milwaukee is more affordable at $216,400 median vs $375,700.

Median household income in South Milwaukee is $70,146 compared to $126,286 in Waukesha (-44.5%). While Waukesha is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of South Milwaukee spend roughly 17.3% of their income on rent, more than the 11.1% in Waukesha.