Brooklyn, New York, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, are both unique and vibrant US cities with their distinct charm. Brooklyn, one of the five boroughs of New York City, is known for its cultural diversity, urban vibe, and high cost of living. Milwaukee, on the other hand, offers a more laid-back lifestyle, lower living expenses, and an environment rich in history and tradition. This comparison will shed light on these cities considering different topics, offering valuable insight for those considering relocating or planning a visit.
Brooklyn has made significant strides in reducing crime rates in recent years, but it still has areas with relatively high crime. The city's diverse neighborhoods vary in terms of safety, and overall it's important to stay aware of one's surroundings. Milwaukee's crime rate is also higher than the national average although much of the crime is concentrated in particular neighborhoods. Efforts are ongoing to address these issues, with initiatives focusing on community policing and crime prevention.
Cost of Living
Living in Brooklyn is expensive. It has one of the highest costs of living in America, with housing costs being particularly high. The cost of goods, services, and transportation is also higher than the national average. Milwaukee, in contrast, has a much lower cost of living. Housing, in particular, is much more affordable, and residents generally find their incomes go further.
Income Tax
New York State has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 4% to 8.82%. Wisconsin's income tax rates also range from 4% to 7.65%.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Brooklyn can be quite high due to the high property values. In contrast, Milwaukee has lower property values but higher tax rates.
Sales Tax
New York City, including Brooklyn, has a relatively high total sales tax rate of 8.875%. The combined sales tax rate for Milwaukee is lower, at 5.6%.
Income
Type
Brooklyn
Milwaukee
Estimated median household income
$67,567
$46,637
Estimated per capita income
$39,536
$26,998
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
185.4
97.5
If you make $50,000 in Milwaukee, you will have to make $95,077 in Brooklyn to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Brooklyn is located on the western tip of Long Island, with the Atlantic Ocean to the south. It's known for its iconic skyline. Milwaukee is located in the Midwest on the western shore of Lake Michigan, with its stunning lakefront views.
Geographical information
Type
Brooklyn
Milwaukee
Land area
70.6 sq. miles
96.1 sq. miles
Population density
35,956 people per sq. mile
5,926.6 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Brooklyn, NY Milwaukee, WI
Education
Brooklyn boasts a wide range of educational options, including some of the best public schools in New York City, renowned private institutions, and prestigious universities like Brooklyn College. Milwaukee also offers quality education, with notable public schools and renowned universities such as the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Brooklyn's economy is dynamic and diverse, with sectors like technology, creative arts, and health services contributing significantly. Startups and small businesses thrive in this urban setting. Milwaukee's economy is historicaly based on manufacturing, but has been diversifying into health care, education, and technology.
Biggest Employers
The biggest employers in Brooklyn include JP Morgan Chase, NYC Health + Hospitals, and the Department of Education. In Milwaukee, the largest employers are Aurora Health Care, Ascension Wisconsin, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
In Brooklyn (Kings County), 82.1% voted for Democrats and 16.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Milwaukee (Milwaukee County), 67.8% voted for Democrats and 31.6% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Brooklyn
Milwaukee
Brooklyn
Milwaukee
Brooklyn
Milwaukee
2020
76.9%
69.3%
22.2%
29.4%
1.0%
1.3%
2016
79.6%
65.6%
17.5%
28.6%
2.9%
5.8%
2012
82.1%
67.8%
16.9%
31.6%
0.9%
0.5%
2008
79.9%
67.8%
20.1%
31.7%
0.0%
0.5%
2004
75.0%
62.0%
24.3%
37.5%
0.7%
0.5%
2000
81.0%
58.5%
15.7%
37.9%
3.3%
3.6%
1996
80.1%
58.3%
15.1%
32.2%
4.9%
9.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Brooklyn
Milwaukee
Brooklyn
Milwaukee
CATHOLIC CHURCH
24.9%
21.0%
7.5%
10.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.8%
1.0%
4.2%
1.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.9%
0.7%
3.8%
3.1%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
1.0%
0.3%
5.2%
1.3%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.7%
0.4%
2.3%
1.7%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.2%
2.4%
2.0%
6.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.2%
1.3%
2.4%
4.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.0%
3.0%
0.6%
5.9%
Weather
Brooklyn, as part of New York City, experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cold winters. It's susceptible to occasional snowstorms and hurricanes. Milwaukee's weather features a continental climate, with harsh, snowy winters and mild to warm summers. The city is also known for its lake effect weather, which can cause sudden changes.
Weather and climate
Type
Brooklyn
Milwaukee
Temperature - Average
55.1°F
48.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
68.7%
77%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
26.1%
26%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
76.8%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
50.7%
59%
Precipitation - Yearly average
46.5 in
33.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
53.4 in
95.8 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
16.7%
14.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
60.2%
57.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
34%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
64%
69%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
44%
35%
Wind speed - Average
10.6 mph
11 mph
Average climate in Brooklyn, New York
Average climate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Brooklyn
Milwaukee
Brooklyn
Milwaukee
Brooklyn
Milwaukee
Brooklyn
Milwaukee
Brooklyn
Milwaukee
Brooklyn
Milwaukee
Brooklyn
Milwaukee
Brooklyn
Milwaukee
2018
93
84
0.31
N/A
16.8
8.8
24.2
28.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.3
7.0
7.8
0.4
0.2
2017
95
80
0.25
N/A
17.0
8.9
24.5
27.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.3
7.1
6.9
0.3
0.3
2016
93
86
0.31
N/A
17.7
9.4
24.8
27.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.0
7.2
7.4
0.5
1.2
2015
100
78
0.38
N/A
18.2
9.6
24.1
27.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.9
8.0
7.8
0.7
1.1
2014
95
89
0.38
N/A
18.5
9.9
23.5
26.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.4
7.8
9.2
0.9
1.0
2013
96
81
0.41
N/A
18.9
10.4
24.4
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.4
8.5
9.6
1.0
0.7
2012
98
108
0.44
N/A
18.3
11.5
24.4
28.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
17.2
9.2
9.6
1.6
1.0
2011
107
95
0.43
N/A
20.7
11.4
23.6
27.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.2
10.3
10.1
2.4
1.2
2010
112
83
0.43
N/A
19.4
12.9
24.7
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.0
N/A
2.3
N/A
2009
104
69
0.43
N/A
21.5
12.2
20.7
23.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.2
N/A
3.1
N/A
2008
109
61
0.47
N/A
22.6
12.4
21.3
24.6
0.013
N/A
N/A
17.3
11.8
N/A
4.1
N/A
2007
121
80
0.53
N/A
23.5
14.2
20.8
24.1
0.016
N/A
N/A
19.9
12.4
N/A
4.8
N/A
2006
116
66
0.61
0.35
24.2
14.7
20.7
22.8
0.018
0.017
N/A
19.9
13.0
N/A
5.7
2.6
2005
107
99
0.74
0.36
26.1
16.6
19.6
25.1
N/A
0.015
N/A
25.4
N/A
N/A
7.5
3.1
2004
106
75
0.74
0.41
25.8
16.6
18.5
21.2
0.030
0.011
N/A
21.4
N/A
N/A
7.1
3.3
2003
107
76
0.81
0.41
27.4
16.7
18.4
27.1
0.021
0.017
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.4
3.3
2002
122
92
0.76
0.40
27.9
N/A
19.9
28.9
0.008
0.018
26.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.5
3.7
2001
121
96
0.80
0.34
29.5
15.8
22.3
28.3
0.020
0.020
27.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.8
3.0
2000
115
84
0.92
0.29
29.8
16.5
20.3
27.0
0.022
0.018
22.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.4
3.4
Natural disasters
Type
Brooklyn
Milwaukee
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
56.4%
118.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
30.8%
109.3%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
17%
19%
Transportation
Brooklyn is well-served by public transportation, including a comprehensive subway system, buses, and bike-sharing services. Many Brooklynites commute to work in Manhattan. Commuting in Milwaukee generally involves driving, although the city has a public transit system and a bike-share program.
Transport
Type
Brooklyn
Milwaukee
Amtrak stations
0
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
149
202
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
2
1
Means of transportation to work
Type
Brooklyn
Milwaukee
Bicycle
0.5%
0.5%
Bus
10.4%
4.2%
Carpooled
8%
8.4%
Car alone
22.4%
81.1%
Railroad
1.4%
0%
Streetcar
0.2%
0%
Subway
44.8%
0%
Taxicab
0.7%
0.2%
Walked
8.8%
3.9%
Average travel time to work
Type
Brooklyn
Milwaukee
Average
44.5 min
24.2 min
Real Estate
Brooklyn's real estate market is one of the most expensive in the country, with high prices for both rental and purchased properties. Milwaukee's real estate market is more affordable, with a wide range of options for both buying and renting.
Neighborhoods
Brooklyn's neighborhoods such as Williamsburg, Dumbo, and Park Slope are highly diverse, each boasting its distinct character. Milwaukee's neighborhoods, like the Historic Third Ward and Bay View, offer a mix of historic charm and modern amenities.
Houses and residents
Type
Brooklyn
Milwaukee
Houses
930,866
257,812
Average household size (people)
2.7
2.5
Houses occupied
880,727 (94.6%)
232,362 (90.1%)
Houses occupied by owners
238,290 (27.1%)
96,044 (41.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
642,437 (72.9%)
136,318 (58.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,589
$854.05
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,621,117
$172,751
Estimated median house or condo value
$793,300
$160,100
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.6
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.2
5.7
Renting percentage
72.3%
56.4%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
13,184
2,683.8
Household income disparities
48.5%
46.1%
Housing units without a mortgage
29,251 (32.9%)
1,800 (2.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
183 (0.2%)
3,918 (6.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
59,793 (67.1%)
61,602 (97.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
4,512 (5.1%)
270 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,098 (5.7%)
5,023 (7.9%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.5%
4.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
45,971
10,069
State government workers
27,527
7,334
Unpaid family workers
2,234
199
Industries and Occupations
In Brooklyn, the top industries include health care, retail trade, and professional, scientific, and technical services. In Milwaukee, manufacturing still holds a significant place, alongside health care, education services, and retail trade, reflecting the city’s blue-collar roots and transition to a more diverse economy.
Brooklyn hosts renowned health institutions like Maimonides Medical Center and NYC Health + Hospitals. Milwaukee boasts flagship health facilities such as the Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center and the Froedtert Hospital & Medical College of Wisconsin.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Brooklyn
Milwaukee
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Brooklyn, being part of New York City, has well-developed infrastructure, including an extensive subway system, a network of buses, and numerous bike lanes. Milwaukee's infrastructure is also well-built but with a more Midwestern feel, boasting efficient highways and a modern streetcar system for downtown access.
Infrastructure
Type
Brooklyn
Milwaukee
Hospitals
104
29
TV stations
29
17
Bank branches located here
271
146
Bank institutions located here
41
29
Main business address for public companies
9
32
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
12
24
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
75
21
Schools
School facilities
Type
Brooklyn
Milwaukee
Private elementary/middle schools
151
78
Private high schools
128
32
Public elementary/middle schools
405
132
Public high schools
176
50
Colleges/Universities
48
25
Culture and Food
Brooklyn is renowned for its cultural diversity and food scene, with a range of international cuisines available. Art galleries, music venues, film festivals, and street art are abundant. Milwaukee offers a rich cultural scene with a blend of historic and modern influences. The city is known for its breweries and hearty Midwestern cuisine.
Sports Teams
The Brooklyn Nets (NBA) and the New York Islanders (NHL) play in Brooklyn's Barclays Center. Milwaukee is home to the Milwaukee Bucks (NBA), the Milwaukee Brewers (MLB), and various minor league teams.
Brooklyn, NY
Milwaukee, WI
