Deciding between the hustle and bustle of Chicago, Illinois, and the traditionally industrial town of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, requires a thorough understanding of different elements that affect both daily life and long-term living. While Chicago might be attractive due to its vibrant culture and world-renowned food scene, Milwaukee has a unique blend of affordability and decent job opportunities. This comparison will take you through essential categories that range from crime rates to health care, giving you a comprehensive view of what life might look like in both cities.
Distance between
Chicago, IL and
Milwaukee, WI : 84.9 miles
Chicago's population is larger by 374%. Its population has decreased by 199,461 people (6.9%) since 2000. The population of Milwaukee has decreased by 27,644 people (4.6%) during that time.
Chicago’s crime rates are nearly twice as high as the national average and significantly higher than those in Milwaukee. While both cities have areas with low crime rates, it's undeniable that Chicago's overall index is a concern for those considering relocation there. Milwaukee's neighborhoods, on the other hand, tend to be safer overall. Tourists who prioritize safety may also be drawn to Milwaukee over Chicago. That said, like in any urban area, remaining vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always essential.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 3,389 registered sex offenders living in Chicago and 2,410 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Chicago is 798 to 1; the ratio in Milwaukee is 247 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in Chicago than in Milwaukee.
Cost of Living
When comparing the cost of living, Milwaukee tends to be more affordable than Chicago. The main factor contributing to this disparity is housing costs, with Milwaukee's median house price considerably lower than in Chicago. Additionally, general expenses such as utilities, groceries, and transportation are also less costly in Milwaukee, which may be an attractive factor for both residents and tourists on a budget.
Income Tax
Both states have different approaches to income tax. Illinois has a flat rate, whereas Wisconsin uses a progressive tax system. For those in higher income brackets, Illinois' flat tax could be more favorable.
Property Tax
Illinois has the second-highest property tax rate in the country, a consideration for potential homeowners in Chicago. Wisconsin's property taxes are also relatively high, but still significantly lower than in Illinois.
Sales Tax
Chicago has a higher sales tax rate, standing at 10.25%, one of the highest in the nation. Meanwhile, Milwaukee has a rate of 5.6%. Buyers and visitors will find their dollar goes a little further in Milwaukee in terms of sales tax.
Income
Type
Chicago
Milwaukee
Estimated median household income
$66,576
$46,637
Estimated per capita income
$43,217
$26,998
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
104.8
97.5
If you make $50,000 in Milwaukee, you will have to make $53,744 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Both cities are situated near large bodies of water—Lake Michigan for both, providing residents and visitors with beautiful waterfront views and activities. However, Chicago, with its larger land area, offers a more diverse range of urban, suburban, and beachfront living opportunities.
While both cities have good schools, Chicago stands out with its higher-ranking public school system and a wide array of notable universities including the University of Chicago and Northwestern University. Milwaukee, however, is home to several renowned universities such as Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. It's worth noting that while Chicago's schools often rank higher overall, educational opportunities can vary widely depending on specific neighborhoods in both cities.
Chicago's economy is robust and diverse, with strong sectors in finance, publishing, food processing, and manufacturing. Milwaukee's economy, although smaller, is also diverse. Manufacturing, health care, and the service industry are large employment sectors. Job growth is slightly higher in Chicago, but Milwaukee has a lower unemployment rate, making both cities viable options depending on the individual's career field.
Biggest Employers
Chicago is home to a large number of Fortune 500 companies, including Boeing, Walgreens, and Allstate. Milwaukee has a smaller business scene; however, it’s the headquarters for several notable companies such as Harley-Davidson and Northwestern Mutual. Both cities, therefore, offer opportunities to work for recognized employers.
There were 414 building permits issued in Chicago in 2012 (200 more than in 2011) compared to 28 building permits issued in Milwaukee in 2012 (103 less than in 2011).
In Chicago (Cook County), 74.0% voted for Democrats and 24.6% 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
Chicago
Milwaukee
Chicago
Milwaukee
Chicago
Milwaukee
2020
74.6%
69.3%
24.1%
29.4%
1.3%
1.3%
2016
74.4%
65.6%
20.9%
28.6%
4.7%
5.8%
2012
74.0%
67.8%
24.6%
31.6%
1.4%
0.5%
2008
76.4%
67.8%
22.9%
31.7%
0.7%
0.5%
2004
70.3%
62.0%
29.2%
37.5%
0.6%
0.5%
2000
69.0%
58.5%
28.8%
37.9%
2.3%
3.6%
1996
66.8%
58.3%
26.7%
32.2%
6.5%
9.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Chicago
Milwaukee
Chicago
Milwaukee
CATHOLIC CHURCH
37.5%
21.0%
11.1%
10.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.9%
1.0%
1.8%
1.1%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.0%
2.4%
4.3%
6.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.0%
1.3%
5.4%
4.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.9%
3.0%
3.6%
5.9%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.4%
0.7%
1.6%
3.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
1.8%
1.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
1.9%
1.3%
WISCONSIN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SYNOD
0.0%
2.2%
0.2%
6.0%
Weather
Chicago and Milwaukee, as Midwestern cities, generally experience similar weather patterns - hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The winters in both cities can be quite harsh, with strong winds, known in Chicago as the "Hawk," being a regular occurrence. Notably, Milwaukee sees a slight upper hand with milder summer weather, which could make it a more attractive destination for those wishing to visit or live in a city with a more balanced climate.
Weather and climate
Type
Chicago
Milwaukee
Temperature - Average
50.3°F
48.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.6%
77%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
31%
26%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
54%
59%
Precipitation - Yearly average
37.8 in
33.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
77.6 in
95.8 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14%
14.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
56.8%
57.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
33%
34%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
68%
69%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
35%
35%
Wind speed - Average
10.7 mph
11 mph
Average climate in Chicago, Illinois
Average climate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Chicago
Milwaukee
Chicago
Milwaukee
Chicago
Milwaukee
Chicago
Milwaukee
Chicago
Milwaukee
Chicago
Milwaukee
Chicago
Milwaukee
Chicago
Milwaukee
2018
97
84
0.26
N/A
14.3
8.8
26.2
28.2
N/A
N/A
23.6
15.3
9.3
7.8
1.7
0.2
2017
95
80
0.25
N/A
14.3
8.9
26.4
27.7
N/A
N/A
25.1
14.3
8.7
6.9
1.4
0.3
2016
95
86
0.21
N/A
14.9
9.4
26.5
27.0
N/A
N/A
17.3
15.0
9.1
7.4
0.8
1.2
2015
92
78
0.51
N/A
15.0
9.6
25.4
27.2
N/A
N/A
23.3
14.9
10.5
7.8
0.9
1.1
2014
101
89
0.45
N/A
18.0
9.9
25.1
26.0
N/A
N/A
28.9
15.4
10.7
9.2
1.3
1.0
2013
100
81
0.37
N/A
18.3
10.4
23.8
26.9
N/A
N/A
30.3
15.4
11.1
9.6
1.0
0.7
2012
112
108
0.36
N/A
18.8
11.5
25.7
28.3
N/A
N/A
31.3
17.2
12.1
9.6
1.7
1.0
2011
101
95
0.38
N/A
18.6
11.4
24.8
27.3
N/A
N/A
21.9
16.2
12.8
10.1
2.4
1.2
2010
103
83
0.37
N/A
20.4
12.9
25.4
26.9
N/A
N/A
22.2
N/A
12.9
N/A
1.4
N/A
2009
106
69
0.29
N/A
20.0
12.2
22.4
23.7
0.025
N/A
20.1
N/A
12.9
N/A
1.4
N/A
2008
108
61
0.32
N/A
22.8
12.4
22.8
24.6
0.026
N/A
22.7
17.3
12.5
N/A
1.8
N/A
2007
125
80
0.34
N/A
23.6
14.2
23.9
24.1
0.027
N/A
25.9
19.9
13.1
N/A
2.2
N/A
2006
95
66
0.31
0.35
23.0
14.7
21.1
22.8
0.029
0.017
22.0
19.9
N/A
N/A
2.6
2.6
2005
110
99
0.55
0.36
23.5
16.6
23.3
25.1
0.027
0.015
26.2
25.4
N/A
N/A
3.3
3.1
2004
85
75
0.83
0.41
23.9
16.6
20.3
21.2
0.032
0.011
23.4
21.4
N/A
N/A
4.1
3.3
2003
99
76
0.69
0.41
25.1
16.7
20.0
27.1
0.030
0.017
23.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.1
3.3
2002
114
92
0.83
0.40
26.5
N/A
20.8
28.9
0.029
0.018
24.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.3
3.7
2001
107
96
0.83
0.34
27.3
15.8
19.2
28.3
0.031
0.020
28.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.3
3.0
2000
104
84
0.88
0.29
24.8
16.5
17.6
27.0
0.046
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.2
3.4
Natural disasters
Type
Chicago
Milwaukee
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
145.8%
118.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
136.9%
109.3%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
20%
19%
Transportation
Chicago has an advantage in terms of public transportation. Its extensive 'L' train system, buses, and bike-share program make commuting relatively easy, even without a personal vehicle. Milwaukee’s transport system is less extensive but still reliable, predominantly served by buses.
Transport
Type
Chicago
Milwaukee
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
1
202
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
12
1
Means of transportation to work
Type
Chicago
Milwaukee
Bicycle
1.6%
0.5%
Bus
8%
4.2%
Carpooled
8.3%
8.4%
Car alone
62.3%
81.1%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Streetcar
6.8%
0%
Subway
3.5%
0%
Taxicab
0.8%
0.2%
Walked
5.9%
3.9%
Average travel time to work
Type
Chicago
Milwaukee
Average
36.9 min
24.2 min
Other means
33.1 min
21.1 min
Public transportation
44.8 min
40.3 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Chicago
Milwaukee
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
86.7%
88.7%
In 2 person carpool
9.3%
8.4%
In 3 person carpool
2.4%
1.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.7%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.4%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate costs are notably lower in Milwaukee than in Chicago, making it an appealing option for those looking to buy a home or rent. Chicago’s real estate market, with its diverse range of options from luxury condos to single-family homes, might be appealing for those willing to invest in a more costly property.
Neighborhoods
Chicago’s neighborhoods are diverse, each one offering a unique cultural experience. Neighborhoods like Lincoln Park and Hyde Park house a mix of families, students, and professionals. Milwaukee's neighborhoods also boast unique characters, with areas like the Historic Third Ward known for its urban, industrial vibe, and Brookfield offering a more suburban feel.
Houses and residents
Type
Chicago
Milwaukee
Houses
1,272,191
257,812
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.5
Median year apartment built
1955
1956
Median year house/condo built
1951
1952
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.7 years
14.1 years
Houses occupied
1,139,537 (89.6%)
232,362 (90.1%)
Houses occupied by owners
530,977 (46.6%)
96,044 (41.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
608,560 (53.4%)
136,318 (58.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,546
$854.05
Median monthly housing costs
$1,356
$965
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$355,671
$172,751
Estimated median house or condo value
$297,300
$160,100
Median numbers of rooms
4.8
4.9
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.8
5.7
Median house price - detached houses
$357,707
$177,554
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$345,352
$161,248
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$477,161
$178,933
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$439,589
$222,376
Median house price - mobile homes
$472,017
$67,466
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$518,665
$171,473
Median house price - All housing units
$388,874
$176,965
Median house age
70
68
Renting percentage
55.1%
56.4%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
5,601.1
2,683.8
House value disparities
35.6%
33%
Household income disparities
48.4%
46.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$110,175
$72,490
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$72,495
$53,843
Housing units without a mortgage
6,624 (1.9%)
1,800 (2.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
17,661 (5.1%)
3,918 (6.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
339,523 (98.1%)
61,602 (97.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
808 (0.2%)
270 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
25,416 (7.3%)
5,023 (7.9%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
12
13
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
2
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.5%
4.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.8%
1.1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Chicago
Milwaukee
One, detached
26.4%
38.9%
One, attached
3.5%
4.5%
Two
13.3%
23.5%
3 or 4
14.0%
6.3%
5 to 9
11.0%
6.3%
10 to 19
4.6%
4.1%
20 to 49
6.5%
6.6%
50 or more
20.6%
9.5%
Mobile homes
0.2%
0.3%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
67,964
10,069
State government workers
41,316
7,334
Unpaid family workers
4,164
199
Industries and Occupations
Both cities have well-established manufacturing sectors, but Chicago expands beyond with a strong presence in the finance and technology sectors. Milwaukee also has thriving health care and food and beverage industries. For professionals in these sectors, both cities provide ample opportunities.
Both Chicago and Milwaukee offer high-quality health care, with plenty of skilled providers and sophisticated facilities. Chicago has some nationally-ranked hospitals, including Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Milwaukee's best-rated hospital is Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Chicago
Milwaukee
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Chicago performs notably well in infrastructure, with its extensive public transit system and considerable investments in citywide developments. Its skyline is marked with an array of impressive skyscrapers, including the iconic Willis Tower. Milwaukee, alternatively, has less development, opting for more traditional low-rise buildings.
Infrastructure
Type
Chicago
Milwaukee
Hospitals
86
29
TV stations
22
17
Arenas or stadiums
7
3
Bank branches located here
740
146
Bank institutions located here
99
29
Main business address for public companies
110
32
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
22
24
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Chicago
Milwaukee
1999
7,501
1,506
2000
8,763
1,666
2001
7,090
1,410
2002
7,745
1,157
2003
10,485
1,641
2004
14,761
2,251
2005
24,041
3,325
2006
29,365
4,218
2007
17,767
2,555
2008
8,601
719
2009
3,506
456
Culture and Food
Chicago is often celebrated for its food, art, music, and overall cultural experience. It’s home to deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, and a thriving craft beer scene. Milwaukee also has a rich culture, especially in music and beer, with a deep-seated brewing tradition.
Sports Teams
Chicago sports fans enjoy a broader range of teams, from the Bulls and Bears to the Cubs and White Sox. Milwaukee is smaller but is passionately supportive of its teams, including the Brewers and the Bucks.
Chicago, IL
Milwaukee, WI
