Monthly living expense for a family in & around Milwaukee (Waukesha: apartment, to rent)

[siliboy]

Hi,I'm from India. I have got a job in Milwaukee, WI. I would like to know the monthly living expense (Rent, Phone,Cable, Internet, Electricity, Travel, Food) for a family of two (myself and my wife). Thanks for your help!!!

[mikki]

Welcome to the area! Do you have an idea of what part of the Milwaukee area you are planning on moving to? Are you looking to rent an apartment or house or are you goingto to buy a house? This information would be helpful in giving you an idea of costs, etc. b/c areas do vary.

[TLoren Day]

Howdy. I've been in the Milwaukee area for the last almost 5 years, so I'll see what I can do to answer your questions:
You mentioned rent, so I'm guessing you're not ready to buy immediately. Rent can vary widely depending on the area in which you live and the size of the apartment. The inner city areas are much cheaper, but generally a lot less desirable/safe. The two bedroom apartment that my family rented back in 2002 ran about 750/mo, on the northwest side of Milwaukee. It was about the least expensive we could find that we were still comfortable with as far as location, safety and amenities. (washer/dryer hookup, dishwasher)

phone can also vary depending on the features you choose. Basic line is about $15. You can add things like voice mail and caller ID and quickly get to close to or over $50. I end up paying a total of $48-ish for a basic line with no extras and DSL/internet. I use cell phones for most everything, and that runs about $50/mo base for two lines. (I'm w/ T-Mobile)

Don't have cable, so I can't help you there. Electric isn't terrible. I'm paying now about $75-80 in non-air-conditioning months for a 4 bedroom house. Gas prices are running around $3/gallon right now. Commutes are often 30-45 minutes, depending on where the job is and how far out you want to live. My commute is only 15 minutes, but it's one of the shorter ones from what I've heard.

Food prices aren't too bad. A gallon of milk runs about $2 at the Wal-mart. I don't buy bread, so can't tell you there. There are a couple of Sam's Clubs for buying in bulk.. ground beef runs 2-2.50/lb, rice is about $10-15 for 50#, flour runs about $4-6 for 20-25#.

Don't know how much that will help you, but hope it helps some. Good luck!

[siliboy]

Originally Posted by mikki

Welcome to the area! Do you have an idea of what part of the Milwaukee area you are planning on moving to? Are you looking to rent an apartment or house or are you goingto to buy a house? This information would be helpful in giving you an idea of costs, etc. b/c areas do vary.

I am not sure as to which area I would be moving to. I have 3 offices in Waukesha, Milwaukee & Pewaukee and I cannot tell you certainly as of now which office am I going to be located in. I do not mind driving 30 mins to office.

I am looking to rent an apartment for around a year.. I am looking for 1 bedroom apartment in a decent locality with basic amenities. It would be great if you can give me approx cost for other items. thanks

[pastorgirl]

try waukesha or pewaukee and then if you're in milwaukee, commute in. I think the schools and the areas are nicer than some in milwaukee, but it depends on the area (i personally like the east side). having not lived in milwaukee, not sure about the cost of things in that area, you might try contacting the local utility companies and asking them. Rent will of course vary by neighborhood and town. Good luck with the move.