Queens, NY and Milwaukee, WI are both vibrant American cities with their own unique characteristics. Queens, as a part of the bustling metropolis of New York City, offers a rich mix of cultures, high living cost and extensive public transportation, while Milwaukee, as a larger city in Wisconsin, features more affordable living, prominent brewing industries and lake-enhanced weather patterns. The decision between these two cities often depends on individual preferences for city life, cost of living or lifestyle needs.
While both Queens and Milwaukee strive to maintain the safety of their residents, Queens generally tends to have a slightly lower crime rate than Milwaukee. The New York Police Department's active presence contributes to the overall safety in Queens. Milwaukee, on the other hand, experiences variable crime rates across its neighborhoods, but with an efficient police department, efforts are being made to ensure safety. As a tourist, both cities advise precautions common to large urban areas.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Queens is significantly higher than in Milwaukee due to the overall costs associated with living in the New York metropolitan area. Everything from housing, groceries, healthcare to transportation are typically more expensive in Queens. Milwaukee, however, offers a considerably more affordable living, often attractive to those considering relocation.
Income Tax
In terms of income tax, both New York and Wisconsin have a progressive income tax system, but rates in New York are higher, so residents in Queens generally pay more income tax compared to those in Milwaukee.
Property Tax
Property tax rates in Milwaukee are considerably higher than in Queens. This, coupled with the city’s lower housing costs, might still make owning property cheaper in Milwaukee overall.
Sales Tax
Sales tax is slightly higher in Queens since New York City imposes its own city sales tax in addition to state tax. Milwaukee residents only pay Wisconsin's state sales tax, making purchases generally cheaper there.
Income
Type
Queens
Milwaukee
Estimated median household income
$73,262
$46,637
Estimated per capita income
$34,969
$26,998
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
173.2
97.5
If you make $50,000 in Milwaukee, you will have to make $88,821 in Queens to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Queens is located on Long Island, just east of Manhattan, offering an urban environment with several parks and beaches. On the other hand, Milwaukee is located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, providing a lakeshore living with several nature trails, activities, and picturesque views.
Geographical information
Type
Queens
Milwaukee
Land area
109.2 sq. miles
96.1 sq. miles
Population density
20,847 people per sq. mile
5,926.6 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Queens, NY Milwaukee, WI
Education
Although both Queens and Milwaukee have access to quality education, Queens, being part of the NYC Department of Education, the largest school district in the US, offers a wider range of educational programs. Both boast prestigious universities; Queens is home to St. John's University and Queens College, while Milwaukee houses the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Marquette University.
Both Queens and Milwaukee boast diverse economies. In Queens, major sectors include healthcare, retail trade, manufacturing, construction, and education. Milwaukee's economy is propelled by manufacturing, healthcare, and education, with a recent growth in tech start-ups. Furthermore, Milwaukee is known as the “Brew City”, reflecting its historical brewing industries.
Biggest Employers
The biggest employers in Queens include the NYC Department of Education, the Metropolitan Transport Authority and JFK Airport. In Milwaukee, the largest employers include Aurora Health Care, Ascension Wisconsin, and the Milwaukee Public Schools system.
In Queens (Queens County), 79.2% voted for Democrats and 20.0% 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
Queens
Milwaukee
Queens
Milwaukee
Queens
Milwaukee
2020
72.3%
69.3%
27.0%
29.4%
0.7%
1.3%
2016
75.4%
65.6%
21.8%
28.6%
2.8%
5.8%
2012
79.2%
67.8%
20.0%
31.6%
0.8%
0.5%
2008
75.4%
67.8%
24.3%
31.7%
0.3%
0.5%
2004
71.8%
62.0%
27.5%
37.5%
0.8%
0.5%
2000
75.2%
58.5%
22.0%
37.9%
2.8%
3.6%
1996
72.9%
58.3%
21.1%
32.2%
6.0%
9.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Queens
Milwaukee
Queens
Milwaukee
CATHOLIC CHURCH
30.4%
21.0%
7.7%
10.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.7%
1.0%
4.4%
1.1%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.6%
0.3%
3.4%
1.3%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.5%
0.7%
2.5%
3.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
2.1%
1.7%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
2.4%
2.6%
6.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.2%
1.3%
3.8%
4.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.1%
3.0%
1.8%
5.9%
WISCONSIN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SYNOD
0.0%
2.2%
0.1%
6.0%
Weather
The weather in Queens and Milwaukee varies greatly due to their geographical location. Queens has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cold winters, sometimes subjected to heatwaves and blizzards. Contrarily, Milwaukee experiences a humid continental climate which results in cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Milwaukee's proximity to Lake Michigan often leads to lake-effect snow and makes it much cooler than Queens during summer.
Weather and climate
Type
Queens
Milwaukee
Temperature - Average
54.6°F
48.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
68.5%
77%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
25.1%
26%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
76.3%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
51.1%
59%
Precipitation - Yearly average
44.5 in
33.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
52.7 in
95.8 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
16.3%
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
11.6 mph
11 mph
Average climate in Queens, New York
Average climate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Queens
Milwaukee
Queens
Milwaukee
Queens
Milwaukee
Queens
Milwaukee
Queens
Milwaukee
Queens
Milwaukee
Queens
Milwaukee
Queens
Milwaukee
2018
97
84
0.26
N/A
14.7
8.8
25.4
28.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.3
6.4
7.8
0.4
0.2
2017
98
80
0.23
N/A
15.4
8.9
25.8
27.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.3
6.4
6.9
0.5
0.3
2016
97
86
0.24
N/A
16.0
9.4
25.5
27.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.0
6.7
7.4
0.6
1.2
2015
104
78
0.26
N/A
17.4
9.6
24.1
27.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.9
7.9
7.8
0.8
1.1
2014
99
89
0.25
N/A
17.0
9.9
24.3
26.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.4
7.8
9.2
1.1
1.0
2013
101
81
0.23
N/A
17.7
10.4
25.8
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.4
8.7
9.6
1.2
0.7
2012
105
108
0.26
N/A
17.6
11.5
25.8
28.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
17.2
9.1
9.6
1.8
1.0
2011
112
95
0.27
N/A
20.4
11.4
24.2
27.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.2
10.6
10.1
2.7
1.2
2010
112
83
0.35
N/A
19.4
12.9
23.6
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.3
N/A
2.9
N/A
2009
107
69
0.24
N/A
21.0
12.2
21.0
23.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.7
N/A
3.4
N/A
2008
113
61
0.44
N/A
22.6
12.4
22.0
24.6
0.013
N/A
N/A
17.3
11.0
N/A
4.1
N/A
2007
121
80
0.46
N/A
22.9
14.2
20.2
24.1
0.016
N/A
N/A
19.9
11.6
N/A
4.9
N/A
2006
120
66
0.46
0.35
23.5
14.7
20.3
22.8
0.018
0.017
N/A
19.9
12.7
N/A
5.3
2.6
2005
110
99
0.54
0.36
25.5
16.6
19.7
25.1
N/A
0.015
N/A
25.4
N/A
N/A
6.7
3.1
2004
107
75
0.55
0.41
25.1
16.6
18.2
21.2
0.030
0.011
N/A
21.4
N/A
N/A
5.8
3.3
2003
110
76
0.63
0.41
26.9
16.7
18.9
27.1
0.022
0.017
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.0
3.3
2002
124
92
0.58
0.40
27.9
N/A
19.2
28.9
0.008
0.018
25.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.5
3.7
2001
124
96
0.60
0.34
28.8
15.8
19.3
28.3
0.020
0.020
24.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.8
3.0
2000
115
84
0.67
0.29
28.4
16.5
17.6
27.0
0.022
0.018
22.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.3
3.4
Natural disasters
Type
Queens
Milwaukee
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
54%
118.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
30.6%
109.3%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
19%
19%
Transportation
Transportation is one area where Queens has an edge with its access to the NYC subway system, buses, and multiple airports. Commuting is a part of daily life. In contrast, Milwaukee does have a good bus system and bicycles are commonly used, but most residents rely on cars.
Transport
Type
Queens
Milwaukee
Amtrak stations
2
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
4
202
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
1
Means of transportation to work
Type
Queens
Milwaukee
Bicycle
0.3%
0.5%
Bus
10%
4.2%
Carpooled
10.2%
8.4%
Car alone
34.3%
81.1%
Railroad
2.2%
0%
Streetcar
0.2%
0%
Subway
34.3%
0%
Taxicab
0.7%
0.2%
Walked
5.7%
3.9%
Average travel time to work
Type
Queens
Milwaukee
Average
44 min
24.2 min
Real Estate
The real estate market in Queens is robust with a median home price significantly higher than Milwaukee's. Rental prices are also steeper. Milwaukee real estate is generally more affordable with a variety of housing options from downtown condos to suburban houses.
Neighborhoods
The neighborhoods in Queens are diverse, each with its unique flavor, from the artsy Astoria to the families-friendly Forest Hills. Milwaukee also offers a range of neighborhoods, from the trendy Historic Third Ward to the serene Bay View, suitable for different lifestyles and budgets.
Houses and residents
Type
Queens
Milwaukee
Houses
817,250
257,812
Average household size (people)
2.8
2.5
Houses occupied
782,664 (95.8%)
232,362 (90.1%)
Houses occupied by owners
334,894 (42.8%)
96,044 (41.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
447,770 (57.2%)
136,318 (58.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,666
$854.05
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$615,765
$172,751
Estimated median house or condo value
$642,000
$160,100
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.4
5.7
Renting percentage
57%
56.4%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
7,481.6
2,683.8
Household income disparities
44.9%
46.1%
Housing units without a mortgage
64,617 (34.6%)
1,800 (2.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
311 (0.2%)
3,918 (6.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
122,366 (65.4%)
61,602 (97.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
9,927 (5.3%)
270 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
10,707 (5.7%)
5,023 (7.9%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1%
4.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
48,383
10,069
State government workers
21,536
7,334
Unpaid family workers
2,382
199
Industries and Occupations
In Queens, healthcare and social assistance is the leading industry, followed by transportation and warehousing, primarily due to its proximity to two airports. Milwaukee's economy is led by healthcare, manufacturing, particularly involving brewing and machinery, and education.
Both Queens and Milwaukee have access to quality healthcare. Queens, however, has an edge due to many top-ranked hospitals located within New York City. Milwaukee also has excellent healthcare facilities like the Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Queens
Milwaukee
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Queens, as a part of NYC, boasts expansive infrastructure including roads, bridges, tunnels, train lines, and one of the busiest airports globally - JFK International Airport. On the other hand, Milwaukee’s infrastructure is more modest, but functional with a mix of historic and modern architecture, and includes General Mitchell International Airport and an intercity rail station.
Infrastructure
Type
Queens
Milwaukee
Hospitals
1
29
TV stations
30
17
Schools
School facilities
Type
Queens
Milwaukee
Private elementary/middle schools
8
78
Private high schools
1
32
Public elementary/middle schools
6
132
Public high schools
2
50
Colleges/Universities
1
25
Culture and Food
Culturally, Queens is renowned for its diversity celebrating various cultures through its numerous festivities and boasting authentic global cuisines such as Chinese, Greek, and Indian. Milwaukee also has a rich culture integrating German, Polish, and Irish heritage and is known for its beer, cheese, and sausages, highlighting Wisconsin’s dairy industry.
Sports Teams
Queens is home to the New York Mets (MLB) and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center which hosts the US Open. Milwaukee boasts the Milwaukee Bucks (NBA), and the Milwaukee Brewers (MLB), fostering a strong sports culture.
Queens, NY
Milwaukee, WI
