The Bronx, a borough of New York City, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin are two distinct US locations with divergent lifestyles to offer. The Bronx teems with iconic global attractions and a bustling cosmopolitan scene, while Milwaukee represents a fusion of big-city perks with a small-town atmosphere. From the nuances of cost of living, crime rates, and education systems to cultural offerings, transit options, and climate differences, this contrast provides an insightful comparison for anyone mulling relocation or a visit to either city.
For crime and safety, both areas have issues to some extent. The Bronx, like much of New York City, has experienced a decrease in crime over the years, but it still has areas with relatively high crime rates. Safety can vary significantly by neighborhood. Milwaukee has areas of high and low crime as well, but on average, crime rates are somewhat higher than the national average. As always, precaution measures such as being informed about the neighborhood you're planning to visit or move to can help increase your safety.
Cost of Living
In terms of cost of living, the Bronx generally is more expensive than Milwaukee. This is driven by housing costs, higher grocery prices, and overall higher costs for goods and services. However, higher wages in the Bronx can offset some of the increased cost of living. Milwaukee offers a more affordable lifestyle with housing costs significantly below the national average.
Income Tax
Personal income tax also contrasts. New York City has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 3.078% to 3.876%. Wisconsin imposes a state income tax that ranges from 3.54% to 7.65%.
Property Tax
With regards to property tax, Milwaukee generally has higher rates than The Bronx. Homeowners in Milwaukee pay an average of 2.65% of their home value each year in property tax, compared to about 0.90% in The Bronx.
Sales Tax
Sales tax varies between the two. The sales tax in The Bronx, as part of New York City, is 8.875%. Milwaukee, on the other hand, has a sales tax of 5.6%.
Income
Type
Bronx
Milwaukee
Estimated median household income
$43,011
$46,637
Estimated per capita income
$23,354
$26,998
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
172.8
97.5
If you make $50,000 in Milwaukee, you will have to make $88,615 in Bronx to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
The Bronx, surrounded by water, is known for its lush parks and the Bronx Zoo, the largest urban zoo in the U.S. Milwaukee is nestled by Lake Michigan with plenty of lakefront paths, parklands, and recreational boating options.
Geographical information
Type
Bronx
Milwaukee
Land area
42 sq. miles
96.1 sq. miles
Population density
32,928 people per sq. mile
5,926.6 people per sq. mile
Elevation
120 feet
634 feet
Relative area comparison
Bronx, NY Milwaukee, WI
Education
Concerning education, both cities have a diverse range of educational opportunities. The Bronx, being part of New York City, boasts access to one of the largest school districts in the country and proximity to globally renowned universities like Columbia and NYU. Milwaukee also offers a solid education system, with several notable universities such as Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Regarding work and economy, the Bronx has a robust economy with industries spanning from healthcare to retail, tourism, and education. Milwaukee’s economy is diversified, with notable strength in manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Unemployment rates in both cities are on par with the national average.
Biggest Employers
The Bronx's biggest employers are largely in the healthcare and education sectors, including Montefiore Medical Center and Fordham University. In Milwaukee, the largest employers are in healthcare and manufacturing, including Aurora Health Care and Harley-Davidson.
In Bronx (Bronx County), 91.9% voted for Democrats and 8.1% 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
Bronx
Milwaukee
Bronx
Milwaukee
Bronx
Milwaukee
2020
83.7%
69.3%
16.0%
29.4%
0.3%
1.3%
2016
88.6%
65.6%
9.5%
28.6%
2.0%
5.8%
2012
91.9%
67.8%
8.1%
31.6%
0.0%
0.5%
2008
89.0%
67.8%
11.0%
31.7%
0.0%
0.5%
2004
82.9%
62.0%
16.5%
37.5%
0.6%
0.5%
2000
86.5%
58.5%
11.8%
37.9%
1.7%
3.6%
1996
85.8%
58.3%
10.5%
32.2%
3.7%
9.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Bronx
Milwaukee
Bronx
Milwaukee
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.5%
21.0%
11.5%
10.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.8%
1.0%
3.9%
1.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.7%
0.7%
4.4%
3.1%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.7%
0.3%
6.5%
1.3%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
3.7%
1.7%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.2%
2.4%
2.6%
6.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.2%
1.3%
2.4%
4.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.1%
3.0%
0.6%
5.9%
Weather
As for the weather, the Bronx experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and moderate to heavy snowfall in winters. On the other hand, Milwaukee has a humid continental climate, meaning it experiences hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Milwaukee can experience colder winters and slightly milder summers compared to The Bronx.
Weather and climate
Type
Bronx
Milwaukee
Temperature - Average
54.7°F
48.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
67.2%
77%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
26.4%
26%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
75.6%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
49.2%
59%
Precipitation - Yearly average
47 in
33.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
54.5 in
95.8 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
16.5%
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
10.7 mph
11 mph
Average climate in Bronx, New York
Average climate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Bronx
Milwaukee
Bronx
Milwaukee
Bronx
Milwaukee
Bronx
Milwaukee
Bronx
Milwaukee
Bronx
Milwaukee
Bronx
Milwaukee
Bronx
Milwaukee
2018
102
84
0.31
N/A
15.8
8.8
24.4
28.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.3
7.4
7.8
0.6
0.2
2017
100
80
0.04
N/A
15.7
8.9
24.6
27.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.3
7.0
6.9
0.6
0.3
2016
98
86
0.30
N/A
16.4
9.4
24.6
27.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.0
7.2
7.4
0.8
1.2
2015
105
78
0.28
N/A
18.0
9.6
23.6
27.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.9
8.6
7.8
1.4
1.1
2014
99
89
0.32
N/A
18.0
9.9
23.6
26.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.4
8.4
9.2
1.7
1.0
2013
103
81
0.39
N/A
18.9
10.4
23.5
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.4
9.3
9.6
2.1
0.7
2012
104
108
0.44
N/A
18.8
11.5
23.9
28.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
17.2
9.7
9.6
3.1
1.0
2011
113
95
0.46
N/A
20.9
11.4
22.1
27.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.2
11.6
10.1
4.5
1.2
2010
113
83
0.53
N/A
20.2
12.9
23.7
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.8
N/A
4.7
N/A
2009
107
69
0.53
N/A
22.3
12.2
19.5
23.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.8
N/A
5.4
N/A
2008
114
61
0.53
N/A
23.3
12.4
19.9
24.6
0.013
N/A
N/A
17.3
12.1
N/A
5.9
N/A
2007
122
80
0.60
N/A
24.6
14.2
19.1
24.1
0.016
N/A
N/A
19.9
13.2
N/A
7.0
N/A
2006
120
66
0.50
0.35
25.0
14.7
18.9
22.8
0.018
0.017
N/A
19.9
12.8
N/A
7.0
2.6
2005
115
99
0.60
0.36
27.0
16.6
17.8
25.1
N/A
0.015
N/A
25.4
N/A
N/A
9.3
3.1
2004
109
75
0.62
0.41
25.6
16.6
16.7
21.2
0.030
0.011
N/A
21.4
N/A
N/A
8.8
3.3
2003
110
76
0.75
0.41
27.4
16.7
17.1
27.1
0.022
0.017
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.9
3.3
2002
124
92
0.67
0.40
27.9
N/A
17.4
28.9
0.008
0.018
25.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
3.7
2001
126
96
0.66
0.34
30.0
15.8
17.8
28.3
0.020
0.020
22.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.0
3.0
2000
115
84
0.68
0.29
29.4
16.5
16.0
27.0
0.022
0.018
22.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.2
3.4
Natural disasters
Type
Bronx
Milwaukee
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
58.3%
118.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
31%
109.3%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
14%
19%
Transportation
Commute times and public transportation options also diverge. The Bronx, with its extensive public transportation system, offers a complex network of subway and bus lines. Milwaukee offers buses and a downtown trolley service, but commuting is often car-dependent.
Transport
Type
Bronx
Milwaukee
Amtrak stations
0
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
39
202
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
1
Means of transportation to work
Type
Bronx
Milwaukee
Bicycle
0.2%
0.5%
Bus
15.6%
4.2%
Carpooled
9.3%
8.4%
Car alone
27%
81.1%
Railroad
2%
0%
Streetcar
0.2%
0%
Subway
34.6%
0%
Taxicab
1.3%
0.2%
Walked
7.2%
3.9%
Average travel time to work
Type
Bronx
Milwaukee
Average
44.2 min
24.2 min
Real Estate
In the realm of real estate, the Bronx generally has higher property values and rents than Milwaukee, reflecting its location within the New York City metropolitan area. In contrast, Milwaukee offers more affordable housing options, with median home prices significantly below the national average.
Neighborhoods
For neighborhoods, both cities offer a diverse range. The Bronx is known for areas like bustling South Bronx, historic Riverdale, and vibrant Belmont. Milwaukee is home to diverse neighborhoods such as the historic Third Ward, the trendy East Side, and family-friendly Bay View.
Houses and residents
Type
Bronx
Milwaukee
Houses
490,659
257,812
Average household size (people)
2.8
2.5
Houses occupied
463,212 (94.4%)
232,362 (90.1%)
Houses occupied by owners
90,522 (19.5%)
96,044 (41.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
372,690 (80.5%)
136,318 (58.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,273
$854.05
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$708,992
$172,751
Estimated median house or condo value
$465,000
$160,100
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.1
5.7
Renting percentage
80.7%
56.4%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
11,675
2,683.8
Household income disparities
50.2%
46.1%
Housing units without a mortgage
12,021 (34%)
1,800 (2.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
105 (0.3%)
3,918 (6.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
23,339 (66%)
61,602 (97.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
2,053 (5.8%)
270 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
2,159 (6.1%)
5,023 (7.9%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.4%
4.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
16,572
10,069
State government workers
14,515
7,334
Unpaid family workers
1,000
199
Industries and Occupations
Both cities present diverse job opportunities across several sectors. The Bronx, due to its association with New York City, has a high concentration of jobs in healthcare, retail, and education. Milwaukee's leading industries include manufacturing, healthcare, and education, reflecting the city's industrial past and evolving future.
Last but not least, healthcare in both cities is high-quality, boasting renowned hospitals. The Bronx houses the Montefiore Medical Center, while Milwaukee is home to the Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Bronx
Milwaukee
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Infrastructure varies significantly. The Bronx benefits from the expansive infrastructure of New York City, featuring numerous bridges, subways, buses, and trains. Milwaukee, while not as heavily populated or as large as the Bronx, also has robust infrastructure including highways, buses, and a downtown trolley service.
Infrastructure
Type
Bronx
Milwaukee
Hospitals
57
29
TV stations
30
17
Bank branches located here
118
146
Bank institutions located here
24
29
Main business address for public companies
2
32
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
1
24
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
4
21
Schools
School facilities
Type
Bronx
Milwaukee
Private elementary/middle schools
54
78
Private high schools
20
32
Public elementary/middle schools
285
132
Public high schools
155
50
Colleges/Universities
9
25
Culture and Food
On the cultural and food scene, the Bronx offers an eclectic mix of world cultures blending Latino, African, and Italian influences, reflected in its food, music, and arts scene. Milwaukee’s culture intertwines its deep German heritage with a modern, progressive thread, showcased in its beer, bratwurst, and the world-renowned Summerfest music festival.
Sports Teams
In terms of sports, both cities have rich traditions. The Bronx is home to the legendary New York Yankees baseball team, while Milwaukee hosts NBA champions the Bucks and the MLB Brewers.
Bronx, NY
Milwaukee, WI
Bronx, NY and 
Milwaukee, WI : 738.6 miles
