Boston, Massachusetts and Milwaukee, Wisconsin are two US cities boasting unique histories, cultural scenes, and economies. Both have well-developed infrastructures and provide a wealth of opportunities, albeit in slightly different climates and societal contexts. This article compares these cities, focusing on aspects such as crime and safety, weather, cost of living, education, work, economy, and more.
Distance between
Boston, MA and
Milwaukee, WI : 856.6 miles
Boston's population is larger by 15%. Its population has grown by 65,635 people (11.1%) since 2000. The population of Milwaukee has decreased by 27,644 people (4.6%) during that time.
Comparatively speaking, Boston has a higher crime rate than Milwaukee. However, it's crucial to remember that crime varies greatly depending on the neighborhood. The most frequented areas in Boston, such as downtown and the historic districts, are generally safe, while Milwaukee also maintains a reputation for safety in its downtown region, with crime rates lower than in similarly sized cities.
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 331 registered sex offenders living in Boston and 2,401 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Boston is 2,033 to 1; the ratio in Milwaukee is 248 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in Boston than in Milwaukee.
Cost of Living
Boston's cost of living is significantly higher than that of Milwaukee, particularly in the housing market. Everything from groceries to healthcare generally costs more in Boston. Milwaukee, by contrast, has a more affordable standard of living, making it an attractive option for retirees or young families.
Income Tax
Massachusetts levies a flat rate state income tax of 5.05%, whereas Wisconsin has a progressive tax rate ranging from 4% to 7.65%.
Property Tax
Property tax rates are higher in Milwaukee compared to Boston. The average property tax rate in Milwaukee is around 2.65%, while Boston's average rate is 0.87%.
Sales Tax
Boston residents face a 6.25% sales tax, lower than Milwaukee’s 5.60%. However, Boston also has a 0.75% local tax rate.
Income
Type
Boston
Milwaukee
Estimated median household income
$79,283
$46,637
Estimated per capita income
$50,337
$26,998
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
143.8
97.5
If you make $50,000 in Milwaukee, you will have to make $73,744 in Boston to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Boston, located on the eastern seaboard, offers coastal beaches and a harbor, while Milwaukee, situated on the western shore of Lake Michigan, features beautiful lakefront views.
Boston, home to some of the world’s top universities like Harvard and MIT, thrives in its educational facilities and opportunities. While Milwaukee doesn't boast the same world-renowned institutions, it still offers quality education through schools like the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Boston’s economy is booming, spearheaded by industries such as biotech, healthcare, finance, and higher education. Milwaukee also boasts a vibrant economy, with a strong manufacturing industry and growing sectors in healthcare and education.
Biggest Employers
In Boston, major employers include Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston University, and Liberty Mutual. In Milwaukee, significant employers are Aurora Health Care, Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare, and Harley-Davidson.
There were 53 building permits issued in Boston in 2012 (20 more than in 2011) compared to 28 building permits issued in Milwaukee in 2012 (103 less than in 2011).
In Boston (Suffolk County), 77.4% voted for Democrats and 20.8% 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
Boston
Milwaukee
Boston
Milwaukee
Boston
Milwaukee
2020
80.6%
69.3%
17.5%
29.4%
1.9%
1.3%
2016
78.5%
65.6%
16.1%
28.6%
5.4%
5.8%
2012
77.4%
67.8%
20.8%
31.6%
1.8%
0.5%
2008
76.9%
67.8%
21.2%
31.7%
1.8%
0.5%
2004
75.9%
62.0%
22.8%
37.5%
1.3%
0.5%
2000
71.5%
58.5%
20.5%
37.9%
8.0%
3.6%
1996
73.0%
58.3%
19.9%
32.2%
7.0%
9.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Boston
Milwaukee
Boston
Milwaukee
CATHOLIC CHURCH
46.1%
21.0%
12.4%
10.8%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.2%
0.7%
8.9%
3.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.1%
1.0%
2.4%
1.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.0%
0.4%
4.7%
1.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.7%
0.3%
4.0%
1.3%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.6%
1.3%
6.9%
4.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.1%
3.0%
0.4%
5.9%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.0%
2.4%
0.7%
6.7%
Weather
Boston experiences a typical New England climate, with cold, snowy winters and humid, hot summers. Milwaukee, on the other hand, has a more pronounced continental climate, with colder and snowier winters and slightly milder summers. It's worth considering personal climate preferences when comparing the two cities.
Weather and climate
Type
Boston
Milwaukee
Temperature - Average
50.6°F
48.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
69.9%
77%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
23.1%
26%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
78%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
59%
Precipitation - Yearly average
46.3 in
33.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
88.3 in
95.8 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
16.4%
14.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
63.7%
57.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
34%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
68%
69%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
48%
35%
Wind speed - Average
12.5 mph
11 mph
Average climate in Boston, Massachusetts
Average climate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Boston
Milwaukee
Boston
Milwaukee
Boston
Milwaukee
Boston
Milwaukee
Milwaukee
Milwaukee
Boston
Milwaukee
Boston
Milwaukee
2018
76
84
0.24
N/A
12.3
8.8
26.1
28.2
N/A
N/A
15.3
N/A
9.2
7.8
0.5
0.2
2017
83
80
0.26
N/A
12.5
8.9
26.4
27.7
N/A
N/A
14.3
N/A
8.9
6.9
0.6
0.3
2016
75
86
0.27
N/A
14.1
9.4
24.4
27.0
N/A
N/A
15.0
N/A
7.4
7.4
0.5
1.2
2015
81
78
0.30
N/A
15.7
9.6
23.4
27.2
N/A
N/A
14.9
N/A
8.9
7.8
0.8
1.1
2014
76
89
0.30
N/A
14.0
9.9
24.5
26.0
N/A
N/A
15.4
N/A
9.3
9.2
1.2
1.0
2013
86
81
0.30
N/A
13.5
10.4
26.2
26.9
N/A
N/A
15.4
N/A
9.8
9.6
1.3
0.7
2012
89
108
0.29
N/A
11.8
11.5
23.5
28.3
N/A
N/A
17.2
N/A
9.5
9.6
1.4
1.0
2011
87
95
0.30
N/A
14.8
11.4
24.2
27.3
N/A
N/A
16.2
N/A
10.5
10.1
1.6
1.2
2010
92
83
0.26
N/A
13.8
12.9
25.0
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.0
N/A
2.3
N/A
2009
86
69
0.32
N/A
15.3
12.2
23.5
23.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.7
N/A
2.4
N/A
2008
96
61
0.26
N/A
16.6
12.4
22.9
24.6
N/A
N/A
17.3
N/A
12.4
N/A
3.8
N/A
2007
124
80
0.28
N/A
18.5
14.2
19.9
24.1
N/A
N/A
19.9
N/A
13.9
N/A
4.0
N/A
2006
103
66
0.38
0.35
15.8
14.7
20.9
22.8
0.017
N/A
19.9
N/A
12.5
N/A
3.5
2.6
2005
115
99
0.28
0.36
17.0
16.6
22.1
25.1
0.015
N/A
25.4
N/A
12.7
N/A
4.3
3.1
2004
104
75
0.26
0.41
15.6
16.6
22.5
21.2
0.011
N/A
21.4
N/A
13.7
N/A
4.6
3.3
2003
116
76
0.55
0.41
20.1
16.7
22.4
27.1
0.017
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.5
N/A
5.2
3.3
2002
130
92
0.35
0.40
19.8
N/A
21.8
28.9
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.5
N/A
5.0
3.7
2001
112
96
0.44
0.34
19.9
15.8
20.7
28.3
0.020
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.6
N/A
5.9
3.0
2000
88
84
0.57
0.29
18.8
16.5
19.2
27.0
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.0
N/A
5.6
3.4
Natural disasters
Type
Boston
Milwaukee
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
55.3%
118.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
26.6%
109.3%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
33%
19%
Transportation
Both cities provide public transport systems, but Boston’s is more developed, with extensive subways, bus lines, and commuter rails. Milwaukee relies more on bus transit but also has a streetcar system.
Transport
Type
Boston
Milwaukee
Amtrak stations
3
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
224
202
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
4
1
Means of transportation to work
Type
Boston
Milwaukee
Bicycle
1.7%
0.5%
Bus
7.1%
4.2%
Carpooled
6.8%
8.4%
Car alone
54.7%
81.1%
Ferryboat
0.2%
0%
Railroad
0.5%
0%
Streetcar
13.5%
0%
Subway
3.2%
0%
Taxicab
0.4%
0.2%
Walked
10%
3.9%
Average travel time to work
Type
Boston
Milwaukee
Average
38.6 min
24.2 min
Other means
26.1 min
21.1 min
Public transportation
38.6 min
40.3 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Boston
Milwaukee
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
87.1%
88.7%
In 2 person carpool
10.1%
8.4%
In 3 person carpool
1.7%
1.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.4%
0.7%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.2%
0.4%
In 7+ person carpool
0.5%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Boston is reasonably higher than in Milwaukee, making the Wisconsin city a more affordable option. Housing varies in both cities, offering everything from historic homes to modern condos.
Neighborhoods
Boston's neighborhoods, like the historic Beacon Hill and stylish Back Bay, offer varied lifestyle choices. Milwaukee's neighborhoods are equally diverse, with places like Yankee Hill offering a more urban, lively feel, and Story Hill providing a suburban environment.
Houses and residents
Type
Boston
Milwaukee
Houses
307,025
257,812
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.5
Median year apartment built
1957
1956
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.6 years
14.1 years
Houses occupied
271,941 (88.6%)
232,362 (90.1%)
Houses occupied by owners
94,497 (34.7%)
96,044 (41.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
177,444 (65.3%)
136,318 (58.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,632
$854.05
Median monthly housing costs
$1,883
$965
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,040,328
$172,751
Estimated median house or condo value
$659,700
$160,100
Median numbers of rooms
4.3
4.9
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.9
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.4
5.7
Median house price - detached houses
$683,896
$177,554
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$639,493
$161,248
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$745,440
$178,933
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$986,433
$222,376
Median house price - mobile homes
$117,668
$67,466
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
Over $1,000,000
$171,473
Median house price - All housing units
$793,380
$176,965
Median house age
73
68
Renting percentage
66.1%
56.4%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
6,340.1
2,683.8
House value disparities
23.5%
33%
Household income disparities
48.2%
46.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$138,364
$72,490
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$97,179
$53,843
Housing units without a mortgage
1,250 (1.8%)
1,800 (2.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
7,686 (11.2%)
3,918 (6.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
67,144 (98.2%)
61,602 (97.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
218 (0.3%)
270 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
9,540 (13.9%)
5,023 (7.9%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
12
13
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
3
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.4%
4.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.7%
1.1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Boston
Milwaukee
One, detached
12.0%
38.9%
One, attached
6.4%
4.5%
Two
11.9%
23.5%
3 or 4
24.1%
6.3%
5 to 9
11.2%
6.3%
10 to 19
7.2%
4.1%
20 to 49
8.0%
6.6%
50 or more
19.0%
9.5%
Mobile homes
0.1%
0.3%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
11,605
10,069
State government workers
12,810
7,334
Unpaid family workers
303
199
Industries and Occupations
Boston's key industries include healthcare, education, finance, and biotech. Milwaukee's economy is largely shaped by manufacturing, healthcare, education, and brewing.
Boston is renowned for exceptional healthcare, housing some of the country's top-rated hospitals. Milwaukee also offers solid healthcare services, with leading institutions like Aurora Health Care.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Boston
Milwaukee
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both cities offer substantial infrastructure. Boston's layout is somewhat complex due to its age and history, though it's rich in architectural marvels and historical sites. Milwaukee is well-planned, and improvements are continually implemented, with a mixture of historic and modern architecture.
Infrastructure
Type
Boston
Milwaukee
Hospitals
22
29
TV stations
22
17
Arenas or stadiums
3
3
Bank branches located here
146
146
Bank institutions located here
37
29
Main business address for public companies
60
32
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
2
24
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Boston
Milwaukee
1999
1,237
1,506
2000
1,140
1,666
2001
947
1,410
2002
975
1,157
2003
1,536
1,641
2004
2,273
2,251
2005
3,225
3,325
2006
3,567
4,218
2007
2,652
2,555
2008
1,372
719
2009
910
456
Culture and Food
Boston's culture is deeply rooted in American history. The city boasts many historic sites, a vibrant theater scene, and unique seafood cuisine. Milwaukee also offers cultural richness with a strong brewing history, famous cheese products, and a love for music festivals.
Sports Teams
Boston is home to famous sports teams, such as the Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics, and Patriots, enticing many sports fans. Milwaukee also has prominent teams, including the Brewers and Bucks.